Meedio, "broomstiks" & "peanut buter"

As my loyal reader(s) know, I've been longing for a complete HTPC front end application that allows me to do everything with a single remote control.

This weekend, I got a very strange e-mail from Meedio, a maker of HTPC apps. Their Meedio Essentials software, which is based on the formerly free myHTPC, claims to be the answer I've been looking for - customizable interface, all remoted based, web browser, RSS, etc.

Anyway, the e-mail was from a meedio.com address; however, it was clear from the message that it was not an "official" e-mail. First, it mentioned something about abuse with a "broomstik" and "peanut buter"" (I'm assuming that "the peanut buter" was used as lubricant?). Second, it provided a username and registration key for the $60 app.

Being a responsible internet citizen who doesn't advocate piracy, you can probably guess what I did next. That's right, I downloaded the trial version of the software as fast as I could and activ- Uh, this part really doesn't have anything to do with the story, so I'll move on.

Within a few hours, another e-mail arrived from the same info@meedio.com address. It explained that some unscrupulous individual had accessed their forum messaging tool and sent the unauthorized e-mail. I disregarded that mail because I was too busy enjoying the free trial (you didn't think I used that key, did you?) of Meedio Essentials.

It looks like Meedio Essentials is the app I've been waiting for. It allows me to access all of my MP3s, ripped DVDs, photos, weather info, RSS feeds (requires plugin) and email (requires plugin) using just my Firefly remote. It also displays the CD and DVD cover art so I can browse using those thumbnails. Plus, it is completely skinable. Some of the available themes mimic Windows Media Center Edition and the TiVo interfaces.


This is a screenshot from Meedio's website (These are not my movies!)

You can check out more screenshots at meedio's site. They have a free 15-day trial here.