Can't wait to get your hands on the TiVo 9.2 software update? TiVo has set up a priority request page. Sign up and you'll be guaranteed (well, not really) to get the update slightly faster than your friends.

The TiVo 9.2 software update for Series3 and TiVo HD boxes enables the new Rhapsody music service and support for external hard drives. If you've got a Series2 box, the latest software version is still 9.1, but that'll be good enough to get you the Rhapsody service.

Honestly, I'm not really sure why TiVo doesn't just push out the new software all at once. Sure, a phased rollout makes sense if you want to use your customers as a huge pool of beta testers. The early adopters can report problems which can be corrected before the wider public gets the software update. But there are no warnings on the priority update page, which would indicate that you're really just letting TiVo know that you're aware the new software is available and that you'll be grumpy if you don't get it soon.

[via TiVo Blog]

Nearly a year after TiVo first announced its partnership with RealNetworks' Rhapsody music service, the two companies are rolling out a service that will let you listen to music on your TiVo.

In a nutshell, if you happen to have (or want to sign up for) a Rhapsody subscription, you can access artists, albums, playlists, and channels on your Series2 or Series3 TiVo. Just fire up your TiVo and navigate the on-screen menus. No PC necessary.

The service will set you back $13/month on top of your TiVo subscription. You can also sign up for a 30 day free trial.

I'm still on the fence about music subscription models. On the one hand, you're paying for access to a huge library of music that you can listen to on your computer, TiVo, or some portable devices. On the other hand, once you cancel your subscription it all goes away, no matter how many CDs worth of money you spent on the service during the months that you were a regular customer.