Sezmi Unveils its TV 2.0 Service and STB

Sezmi , a start-up based in Belmont, California, unveiled a new TV service that combines terrestrial digital broadcast television with existing broadband services to deliver video content to a customized set-top box. The system utilizes available capacity in existing digital television broadcast networks and creates a private, secure broadcast transmission for content. The Sezmi interface aims to provide a seamless integration of live, stored, on-demand and Internet video from different sources.

Sezmi has also developed a smart antenna indoor reception system that makes both its private broadcast and existing terrestrial TV broadcasts accessible. The company said its network-attached reception system can be placed in any location in the home.

Sezmi is seeking partnerships with broadcasters, broadband providers and content companies. It plans to commence technical trials in preparation for commercial launch across several major U.S. markets later this year.http://www.building-b.com

• Last month, Sezmi (formerly known as Building B) announced plans to co-locate its network operations center (NOC) within Harris Corporation’s world-class NOC facility in Melbourne, Fla. in order to leverage Harris’ expertise in digital asset management, content aggregation and its nationwide distribution network.
• In August 2007, Sezmi attracted funding from Morgenthaler Ventures, OmniCapital, Index Ventures and private investors in a $17.5 million financing round.
• Sezmi is headed by Dr. Buno Pati (co-founder and CEO), who previously founded Numerical Technologies (acquired by Synopsys). Before co-founding Numerical, Dr. Pati served as assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Harvard University and a post-doctoral research associate at Stanford University.