Exhibit 5.1



                                        July 25, 2001



SeaChange International, Inc.
124 Acton Street
Maynard, Massachusetts  01754

     Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8 Relating to the Amended and
          Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), of SeaChange
          International, Inc. (the "Company")


Dear Sir or Madam:

     Reference is made to the above-captioned Registration Statement on Form S-8
(the "Registration Statement") filed by the Company on the date hereof with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to
6,275,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
issuable pursuant to the 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Shares").

     We have examined, and are familiar with, and have relied as to factual
matters solely upon, a copy of the 1995 Stock Option Plan, the Company's amended
and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, the amended and restated
by-laws of the Company, the minute books and stock records of the Company and
originals of such other documents, certificates and proceedings as we have
deemed necessary for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been
duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of
the 1995 Stock Option Plan and the terms of any agreement relating to any of the
options granted thereunder, will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the
Registration Statement.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP

                                    TESTA, HURWITZ & THIBEAULT, LLP