It looks like TiVo is starting to roll out a software update to Series2 TiVo owners. The update brings progressive downloads (which means that if you download a movie from Amazon.com you can start watching before the download is complete), and improved multi-room viewing support.

TiVo tends to do phased rollouts of software updates. So it may be a while before you notice the 9.3 software on your machine. But you can check out firsthand accounts at from members of the TiVo Community Forum who have already received the update.

[via Gizmo Lovers]

TiVo appears to be eliminating its TiVo Rewards referral program. TiVo had been giving out points to anyone who could convince friends, colleagues, or complete strangers to sign up for TiVo service.

The program works much the same way as a game of skee ball. If you get a few points, you can trade them in for a lousy toy like a TiVo Christmas ornament or set of coasters. A few more points will get you a remote control, and a whole heck of a lot of points will get you a fancier prize like a Slingbox or a TiVO HD.

While a member of the TiVo Community Forum indicates that the rewards program could shut down as early as February 28th, Dave Zatz spoke with a TiVo representative who said the date would be May 28th. Either way, if you've got some unused points to use, you might want to start checking out the list of available rewards.