A New Alternative to Cable and Satellite TV?

It appears a new company called Sezmi is trying to emerge as an alternative to cable and satellite television. They seem to be specifically targeting customers who are tired of the ever rising cable and satellite bills they are currently paying.

Sezmi is teaming up with local television broadcasters and phone companies to roll out a complicated system which aims to cost half as much as cable. The way it will work, while seeming complex is very interesting.

First, you will have to get the set-top box provided by Sezmi. This box will receive its programming in 3 different ways. It will receive digital over the air local channels just like anybody who uses an antenna or rabbit ears. The box will also connect to your broadband connection to download more programming over the internet. The third method they will use will be to have the local TV stations transmit some basic cable channels in the vacant portions of their airwaves.

Sezmi really seems to have its work cut out for them in order to tie all of this together, but it does seem promising. Not only do they have to gather all local broadcasting stations together, but they also need to work hand in hand with the phone companies. That in itself may turn into a disaster for them, but even if they do pull that off they may run into an even bigger problem still.

Customer Confusion! Unless they find a way to make this service sound less complicated, they may be doomed before they even start. Many people may decide that since it sounds so complicated that they will just stick with what they already have, regardless how much cheaper Semi’s new service is.

What do you think? Does this sound too complicated? Would you give it a try?