SezmiSystem
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Sezmi expands availability to 10 new markets, premium channels still can't escape L.A.
We hadn't heard much from Sezmi since its February launch, but in "response to consumer demand" it is expanding the availability of its box and $5 / month Sezmi Select package to Boston; Detroit; Houston; Kansas City, Mo.; Phoenix; Portland, Ore.; Miami, Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and San Francisco. That means users can make use of the combo broadcast TV / over the top video box and its various IPTV services, plus whatever OTA channels are available, but at least for the moment, you'll still need a Los Angeles address to pull in the Plus-only premium channels. It's also touting a software update that added "Entertainment Zones," pulling content from various sources together in one spot, but without any access to premium channels it would seem like the market for a $299 set-top box would be limited. The $20 Sezmi Select Plus lineup is still slated for an expansion "later this year," we'll wait for some sales numbers to indicate great its initial success really is.
Sezmi launches $20 per month cable/satellite alternative today in L.A.
After a trial period, Sezmi is finally available to those looking for a way out from under overloaded and overpriced cable and satellite TV packages. $299 fetches the Sezmi System, with 1TB HD Media Recorder, OTA antenna and remote, then choose either a $5/month Select Service plan limited to whatever broadcast networks you can pull in plus IPTV sources and VOD (YouTube, CinemaNow, etc.) or the Sezmi Select Plus package at $19.99 which adds familiar premium networks including USA, CNN, MTV, Syfy and more, also delivered over antenna. In case you like what you're hearing, all that traditional TV and internet content gets blended together in the company's unique UI (check out our CES 2010 hands-on for a preview) that can be personalized for each person in the house. Of course the revolution isn't without its downsides, it's currently only available in the L.A. area (Select Service goes nationwide this spring, with Plus expansions planned for the summer) while a lack of ESPN and no HD on any of the premium channels will serve to kill its appeal for some. Don't plan on grabbing one at the Burbank Buy More either since it's a Best Buy exclusive for now, but if your zip code and TV watching needs fit the description then check out the introduction video and press release embedded after the break.
