ZeeVee releases retooled Zinc internet video browser
It's been a few months now since ZeeVee showed its soft(ware) side by announcing the free public beta of Zviewer, and now we're pleased to announce that it's back with a new name, a new face and a slightly revised agenda. Rechristened Zinc, this latest version is -- for all intents and purposes -- a competitor of boxee. Once installed on a PC (a Mac version should surface by April), users can easily navigate to tons of internet-based TV content from the likes of CBS, ABC, etc. Also of note, this version bakes in access to your Netflix Watch Instantly queue, providing access to 15,000 feature length movies and tens of thousands of TV shows. For now, ZeeVee's committed to keeping the application free, and it believes its superior UI will win folks over. The full release is waiting just past the break, and those interested in giving it a go should find a live download waiting right here.
Psst... you can check out our hands-on and review over at Engadget HD.
ZeeVee releases beta 3 for Zinc Internet video browser
Award-winning video browser for the living room gets significant facelift; adds Netflix, CBS and much more content from leading providers
LITTLETON, Mass., March 24, 2009 – ZeeVee today announced the much-awaited update to Zinc, its popular
Internet video browser for the living room. Zinc, formerly known as Zviewer, helps users navigate any popular
high-quality internet content through a single, living-room friendly user interface that is designed to be operated
with a remote control and viewed on the 'big screen'. Zinc was recently honored with a Gold TechHome Mark of
Excellence award from the Consumer Electronics Association.
The new release adds a significant amount of content from existing providers to its on-demand library, as well as the addition of Netflix and CBS to the prior lineup. There are now nearly 15,000 feature length movies and tens of thousands of TV shows that can be watched instantly.
Zinc also has improved navigation and usability features, making it easier and faster to immediately enjoy Internet video. Detailed show descriptions, release dates, ratings and other new information have also been added, so users can make informed decisions about what episodic content to watch, or what new feature-length movie they should select. Users can also declare favorite shows and websites, and be informed when new content is available.
"The team has been working very hard to improve the Zinc user experience, and we're really proud of what we've accomplished," said ZeeVee Co-founder and CEO Vic Odryna. "Feedback about this new release has been very positive and we are anxious to have more people try it and share it."
Zinc is a free software application that runs on practically any PC. It allows users to enjoy internet video on their
computer, or on a 'big screen' for those that have attached their computer to a large display. Mac support is in
development and is expected to be released by the end of April. Zinc is based on Mozilla technology, and is
available either as a standalone application, or as a Firefox plug-in. Zinc can be downloaded by visiting
www.zeevee.com/zinc/download-zinc.
About ZeeVee
ZeeVee, Inc. develops HD video distribution products using broadcast and cable technologies. The award winning ZvPro line of HD encoding and modulation gear serves the digital signage, private cable operator, and
high end residential markets- at game changing cost points. For consumers, the ZvBox line enables sharing of HD sources, and unlimited internet video on demand, at all HDTVs. ZeeVee's free Zinc software delivers the best of internet video in a format perfect for HDTVs, while ZvRemote™ and ZvKeyboard™ help play that content from the couch. For more information, visit www.ZeeVee.com
