Tip 1: Sorting the Now Playing list  Tip 2: The 30-second skip  Tip 3: Navigation shortcuts

Submitted by: Raffi Krikorian Author, TiVo Hacks  Learn more about Raffi

One of the major new features of TiVo OS 4.0 (found on the Series2 TiVo) is the ability to sort the Now Playing list in more ways than just the default reverse-chronological order. OS 4.0 also allows you to sort the items in the list by expiration date or in alphabetical order. This sorting capability is actually built into OS 3.0, too; if you have an older TiVo, you can use a remote-control sequence to get new sorting options. First, though, you must open the TiVo back door, which allows you to perform all sorts of remote-control hacks. If you're running TiVo OS 3.0 (to find out, go to the Messages & Setup menu and select System Information), head to the Browse By Name or Search By Title screen--the one that provides you with an alphanumeric list where you can enter letters and numbers. Now enter this code verbatim--pay close attention to the spaces (backdoor codes for other TiVo OSs can be found in TiVo Hacks): 3 0 BC

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Now press the Thumbs Up button. You'll hear three thumbs-up blings, and your TiVo will briefly display the words, "Back doors enabled!" (To disable back doors, reboot your TiVo.)

Now, to enable sorting, enter the following remote control sequence at the Now Playing screen:

Slow-Motion > 0 > Record > Thumbs Up

After the three thumbs-up rings, a menu bar at the bottom of the Now Playing list will appear, stating "Press Enter for sort options." When you press Enter (the small Enter/Last button at the very bottom of your remote), your TiVo will zoom to a Now Playing Options screen. From here, you can sort by Newest (by record date), Expiration (by expiration date), or Alphabetical (by program name). You can also simply hit 1, 2, or 3 at the Now Playing screen as a shortcut to sort by those same options.

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Jealous of ReplayTV owners, whose controversial 30-second-skip button lets them cruise through commercials with ease? Well, Series 1 TiVos can have their own 30-second skips, thanks to a little remote-control programming. We'll be repurposing the Advance button (the Play arrow with a vertical line at the right edge), which normally brings you to the end of a program or, if you're at the end, takes you to the beginning. (Also, if you're fast-forwarding, the Advance button will skip you to the next tick mark.) When we're done, it'll act as the 30-second skip. Here's what to do.

Bring up any recorded program or live TV. Then enter the following sequence on your remote:

Select > Play > Select > 3 > 0 > Select

You'll know the combination worked when TiVo rings out three Thumbs Up sounds--that chiming "bling" sound TiVo makes when you press the Thumbs Up button on your remote control. Your Advance button will now skip forward by 30 seconds.

Note that this hack is not permanent. If your TiVo ever needs to be rebooted--after being unplugged or as a result of a power failure, for example--you'll have to reapply the hack.

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TiVo's menu system is serial and fairly intuitive; you move step by step from one window to another using the Next and Previous buttons. But you can do it faster. Thankfully, built-in navigation shortcuts let you leap between major menu items in a single bound--that is, a single button press. (Note: This tip is for Series 1 TiVos.)

Button sequence	Menu displayed
TiVo button + 1 (or TiVo + TiVo)	Now Playing
TiVo button + 2	To Do List
TiVo button + 3	Wish Lists
TiVo button + 4	Browse by Name
TiVo button + 5	Browse by Channel
TiVo button + 6	Browse by Time
TiVo button + 7	Record Time/Channel (manual recording)
TiVo button + 8	TiVo Suggestions
TiVo button + 9	Network Showcases
TiVo button + Slow Motion button	Messages and Setup