Miro 2.0

This has to be one of the slickest open source programs around. At its most basic, Miro offers a way of subscribing to video feeds so that they automatically download for your viewing convenience. But it’s much more than that.

Miro has featured feeds such as videos from the spoof news website, The Onion. Or you can browse popular feeds ranging from Monty Python skits to the NBC Nightly News to Mac Tips and Tricks. A search function allows you to find videos on virtually any subject imaginable. In addition, there are numerous other ways to discover videos.

What makes Miro different from watching a video at a website is that you actually download before watching. The video sits in the Miro library, where it can be played as often as you like. It will automatically expire after five days, but you can change this by clicking a Keep button. Another button allows you to remove it altogether.

With Internet videos increasing in popularity, Miro is a great way to keep track of what’s available and ensure you don’t miss your favourites. It has an active fan base and good support for your inevitable questions.

Posted Thursday, February 12, 2009 in Open-source