Zeevee releases HTPC movie browser Zinc Beta 3

Zinc is a video-centric browser formerly known as Zviewer, and designed for use on home theater PCs and Windows Media Center PCs. The software is similar to Boxee in purpose, letting users access online video content and their own stored media on their television.

Unlike Boxee, which is a standalone media center application, Zinc still retains the qualities of a browser; and since it is based on Mozilla technology, it can also be launched as a Firefox plug-in instead of a desktop application.

Currently, the highlight of Zinc is its comprehensive access to online content. In addition to hooking up with a user's Netflix and Amazon accounts, Zinc can browse CBS' TV.com content, ABC, CNN, ESPN, CW, Fox, MTV, Yahoo Video, YouTube, Revision3, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Jaman, and more. Zinc also retains its ability to connect to Hulu, a capability that Boxee lost.

Unfortunately, Zinc treats many of these like little more than links to their respective sites, popping up the Hulu or CBS viewer and providing no cohesive experience between them.

Zinc also contains video tutorials on the different methods of consuming content, including how to use it with the company's Zv-100 set top box, a streaming HD component that costs nearly $400.