Sezmi said today that it is launching a pilot test of its TV service in Los Angeles. The service blends local broadcast channels, cable TV programming and Internet video content.
A limited number of qualified users will sign up for a three-month free trial of the service; after that they will be charged, but Sezmi said the subscription rates would be lower than those charged by cable or satellite video providers.
According to The Mercury News, the pilot will include programming from Comedy Central, TNT and CNN, while another pilot in the Bay Area will initially launch without the cable programming.
Sezmi’s service uses a combination of public airwaves and broadband connections to deliver its services. The service, which Sezmi plans to launch nationwide next year, allows users to personalize their home screens by keeping track of the programs they watch and to recommend additional programs based on past preferences.
Once the trial is over, subscribers will have to buy a set-top box and antenna, which will cost $300.
Sezmi also announced that it had received $25 million in new funding from new and existing investors.
Investors in this financing round included previous investors Morgenthaler Ventures, Omni Capital, TD Fund, Index Ventures and Legend Ventures, as well as a new, unnamed investor.
