Activating and Using Hidden Features
From DVRpedia
Contents |
Overview
This page describes how to enable some very useful hidden features on your TiVo, such as 30-second skip and an on-screen clock.
These codes are also known as "Backdoor Codes" due to the code-entry method used to enable these features.
This Page Applies to these TiVo Models
- All TiVos
Sorting the Now Playing List
- In Versions 4.x and later of TiVo software (Series 2 TiVos), the SORT feature included by default and also includes the option to group programs into folders. Press the Enter button when viewing the Now Playing List to view and configure these options.
- In versions of 3.x and earlier of TiVo software (Series 1 TiVos), the default sort order of the Now Playing list is by recording date. It is not possible to change the sort order without entering a special code.
For a Series 1 TiVo, from the Now Playing screen, enter the following button sequence using the remote control:
Slow 0 (zero) Record Thumbs Up
(Note: These button names create the acronym S0RT.)
You will hear three bing sounds (unless you are using the digital audio output sound output on a DirecTiVo.) The SORT feature is now active.
- Press the 3 button to sort Alphabetically by program name
- Press the 2 button to sort by Expiration Date
- Press the 1 button to sort by Date Recorded (the default order)
- Press the Enter button to view a screen displaing the three sort options listed above, allowing changing between them.
To disable this feature, enter the same code again while viewing the Now Playing list, or reboot the TiVo.
Select-Play-Select Codes
These codes are enabled using a sequence of button presses that begin with Select Play Select'. These sequence of button presses should be entered when you are watching a recorded show.
30 Second Skip
See the 30 Second Skip page for more details.
This code converts the Skip Forward button (the button just below the fast-forward button) into a 30-second skip forward button. This button normally is used to skip between the tick marks that are spaced every 15-minutes in recordings. To skip between tick marks after enabling this feature, press the skip-forward button while fast-forwarding.
Enter the following command when playing a recorded show to enable this feature:
Select Play Select 3 0 Select
To disable the feature, enter the same code again or reboot the TiVo.
Note: This feature was removed TiVo software 2.0x but added back in software version 2.5 and later.
Display Clock & Elapsed Time in Bottom Right Corner
This code toggles a Clock display in the bottom right corner of the screen when you are watching a recording or Live TV. When watching a Recording, the elapsed time is also displayed (except for TiVos running software version 3.0.)
Enter the following command when playing a recorded show to enable this feature:
Select Play Select 9 Select
To disable the feature, enter the same code again. Please note that when you re-enter the code to disable it, the clock will not immediately disappear. You must go into a Tivo menu and return to Live TV or a Recording for it to disappear.
Display the Current Status in the Bottom Right Corner
This feature is of limited use. It displays the current status of TiVo processes. Basically, it tells you what TiVo is doing at any point in time.
Enter the following command when playing a recorded show to enable this feature:
Select Play Select InstantReplay Select
Note: The Instant Replay button is directly below the Rewind button.
To disable the feature, enter the same code again. Please note that when you re-enter the code to disable it, the display will not immediately disappear. You must go into a TiVo menu and return to Live TV or a Recording for it to disappear.
Fast Disappearing of the Play Bar
This code causes the Play Bar (the bar that appears when you fast forward, rewind, pause) to disappear more quickly than normal.
Enter the following command when playing a recorded show to enable this feature:
Select Play Select Pause Select
To disable the feature, enter the same code again.
Enabling Backdoor Mode On Old TiVo (to enable Advanced Codes)
There are many more codes available (Clear-Enter-Clear codes, Enter-Enter codes, Clear-Clear-Enter-Enter codes.) However, these codes require that BackDoors be enabled. To be honest, these codes are not all that useful. To see these codes, visit the External References section at the bottom on this page.
- If you have TiVo Software version 3.2 or later, you can not enable backdoors using your remote. These other codes will not work for you.
- If you have TiVo Software version 3.0 or earlier, you can enable backdoors using your remote control.
How to enable backdoors on older versions of TiVo software
The Backdoor mode is enabled in the "Browse By Name" or "Search by Title" screen. Basically, in any screen that shows the alphabet input on the left-hand side (sometimes called the Ouija Board screen.) After entering the correct code, there will be a "Backdoors Enabled!" message on the screen and then you will be quickly returned to the TiVo Central screen.
For software versions 1.3 US, 1.5.0 & 1.51 UK, enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
0v1t
and press Thumbs Up'. (Note: this code is TiVo spelled backwards using the number zero instead of the lettero and the number one instead of the letter i.
For software version 1.5.2 UK, enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
10J0M
and press Thumbs Up. (Note: These are the number zero and not the letter o. This spells mojo1 backwards using zeros.)
For software version 2.0, enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
2 0 TCD
and press Thumbs Up. (Note the spaces between the letters. This is the number zero and not the letter o.)
For software versions 2.5 US and 2.5.5 UK, enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
B D 2 5
and press Thumbs Up. (Note the spaces between the letters.)
For software version 2.5.2 (DirecTivo Only), enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
B M U S 1
and press Thumbs Up. (Note the spaces between the letters.)
For software version 3.0, enter the following on the Search by Title screen:
3 0 BC
and press Thumbs Up. (Note the spaces between the letters. This is the number zero and not the letter o.)
You can verify that Backdoor Mode is enabled by going to the System Information screen. You will see extra details about your TiVo and it will show in the the list Backdoors: Enabled.
To exit backdoor mode, reboot your Tivo.
