sMoRTy71.com: RSS on my HTPC

RSS on my HTPC
As you've probably noticed, I've been really into RSS lately. I decided to add RSS reading functionality to my HTPC so that I can read feeds in the living room using my TV and remote.

First, I installed the Sage RSS extension for Firefox. I know there are other more full-featured RSS readers; however, I like the fact that Sage is attached to the browser so I don't have to deal with multiple apps (which is tough to do on an HTPC with a remote) in order to view the items in the feeds.

Next, I had to create a custom CSS file so that the feed summaries are readable on my 65" 1776x1000i display. I basically cranked up the headline font to 36px and the description front to 24px.

Finally, I added Firefox to the menu of the Beyond Media front end software that came with my Firefly remote.

This setup allows me to launch Firefox and Sage, navigate my list of feeds, read the summaries for each item and click through to the site (and back) using my remote only.

So now, I don't have to spend every waking minute in front of my computer monitor.