In TiVo’s (NSDQ: TIVO) latest attempt to differentiate itself from the commodity DVR box makers, the company is partnering with Rhapsody to let subscribers directly access the subscription music service for a $12.99 monthly fee. As with the normal Rhapsody service, customers will have the option of trying it for free before committing, while Rhapsody subscribers who already have the necessary equipment will get the service at no extra charge. Financial terms of the agreement were undisclosed. Release.

For a long time, TiVo has had higher aspirations than simply being a premium DVR vendor, as it wants its boxes to be gateways to a digital living room or “internet hubs.” But while its piecemeal assemblage of third-party content services (Amazon’s (NSDQ: AMZN) UnBox, Fandango, Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) Weather, etc.) is popular with some users, it hasn’t translated into financial success. It still hasn’t regularly turned a profit in the industry it spawned, nor is it expected to do so anytime soon. The company’s stock is up on the year, although that’s partly due to the company’s successful patent suits against satellite operators.

It’s hard to see this latest partnership moving the needle much. Consumers remain skeptical about subscription music, and the fact that such a service can now be accessed through a set-top box isn’t likely to change that. NYT’s Brad Stone does a good job explaining just how unappealing this offering is for him, as a consumer: “I’m a former TiVo subscriber. But content deals like the partnership with RealNetworks (NSDQ: RNWK) are not likely to lure me back to the TiVo fold. To enjoy the fruits of TiVo’s deals with Real and Amazon, I’d have to buy a new TiVo box, string a DSL cable through two rooms to my TV set and get Comcast (NSDQ: CMCSA) to give me a cable card, which would allow the TiVo to get cable service. Then I’d be paying an extra $8 a month for TiVo along with my already exorbitant monthly cable bill.” Though he adds, “If Comcast ever delivers on its aging promise to offer a TiVo box to its subscribers, I would probably jump at it.”

For Rhapsody, the deal could mean modest bump in subscriber numbers, as it brings more exposure and flexibility in how the service can be consumed. Previously, consumers wanting to stream music away from the computer had to buy a specialized device, such as one from Sonos.

Update: Speaking at the Natixis Bleichroder Hidden Gems conference today, TiVo CEO Tom Rogers updated the status of the company’s agreement with Comcast to sell its boxes to subscribers of the cable operator. While the rollout has been delayed, Rogers indicated that the launch was near and that they’re simply “waiting for word”. He also indicated that the company was likely to pursue more opportunities like today’s Rhapsody’s announcement. Webcast.

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