Tivo Remote

One of the major new features of the newest TiVo remote--found on the Series2 TiVo--is the ability to sort the Now Playing list in more ways than just the default reverse-chronological order. You can now sort the items by expiration date or in alphabetical order. No more wasting time looking for the program in just one manner.

This sorting capability was built in the older models, but accessing it requires a bit more work. If you have an older model, you must access the TiVo back door, which allows you to perform all sorts of remote-control hacks. These are software hacks, not hardware, so put down those screwdrivers. Here's how you do it.

If you're running TiVo OS 3.0, head to the "Browse By Name" or "Search By Title" screen. This is the one that provides you with an alphanumeric list where you can enter letters and numbers. To find out which system your remote is running, go to the Messages and Setup menu and select System Information. Now enter the following code, verbatim (don't forget the spaces): 3 0 BC

To enable sorting, enter the following remote control sequence at the Now Playing screen: Slow-Motion > 0 > Record > Thumbs Up. After three thumbs-up chimes, a menu bar at the bottom of the Now Playing list will appear, stating "Press Enter for sort options." When you press Enter your TiVo will go to a Now Playing Options screen, giving all the sorting options of the newest, OS 4.0, model. Note that this is not permanent. If your TiVo needs to be rebooted, you'll have to reapply this feature.