Boxee, one of our favorite media center programs, is taking one step closer to a final release and adding in some new functionality. While up until now you needed an invite to join the alpha program, Apple and Linux users can now sign right up without any invitation - the Windows port now enters the invite stage, though it's pretty easy to get one.

New protocol support includes the BBC iPlayer, Joost, and MTV Music. The BBC's online video service has the latest shows airing on an assortment of BBC channels, but is limited to connections from UK-based computers only. Joost should work fine for viewers in the U.S., though, with lots of full episodes available of shows like CSI and cult-classic Twin Peaks. The MTV support lets you watch music videos, searching by artist or song, or linked to through other areas of Boxee. Bug fixes and updates should firm up Netflix streaming and add a search function to Hulu. The new version of the software is available today.

This story around the web: