WOW! ACCESSIBLE DVR RECEIVER
AUDIO SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and then press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages menu, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Audio.’
Audio settings include:
• Alternate Audio
• Dolby Audio
• Sound effects volume
• Screen Reader
ALTERNATE AUDIO
Some shows are broadcast with an audio description track and more than one language track.
The Default Audio Language setting lets you choose which audio language track is recorded.
The Default Audio Program setting lets you choose the default language for upcoming shows that have
multiple language tracks, or turn on audio description for shows that have audio description available.
Note: You can also switch to the audio description track while watching a show by pressing INFO - the second
button down on the right of the TiVo button - and then selecting the “Audio Description” option from the Info
Banner.
DOLBY AUDIO
If you have an A/V receiver or home theater system that supports Dolby audio, use this setting to choose how
the TiVo box will record and output digital audio. Check your A/V receiver or home theater system manual for
its capabilities.
If a show is broadcast with a Dolby audio track, a Dolby Audio icon will appear in the info banner.
Note: Dolby Audio is not available if the screen reader is enabled.
SOUND EFFECTS VOLUME
Change the volume of the TiVo box’s sound effects (the tones played when you press buttons on the remote
control). The default is Medium.
SCREEN READER
Your TiVo box can read the text that appears on screen. Turn the screen reader on or off by pressing the A
button - the leftmost button in the line of buttons between the PAUSE circle and the number pad on your
remote - for two seconds. You’ll hear a voice say, “Screen reader on” or “Screen reader off.”
When the screen reader is on, the TiVo menu text will be audible. In addition:
• When the CHANNEL UP/DOWN button on the remote control pressed, the channel and program information
will be audible.
• When the INFO button on the remote control is pressed, program information will be audible.
To adjust the volume of the screen reader, use the VOLUME button - the long oval shaped button on the left
between the arrow circle and the Pause circle on your remote. Or, if they are having trouble hearing the screen
reader over the video that’s playing, pause the video by pressing PAUSE - the round button in the center of
your remote.
Turn the screen reader off temporarily by pressing the A button quickly. Note that this function does not work
on the My Shows screen or when using the Guide.
CHANNEL SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and then press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages menu, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Channels.’
Channel settings include:
• Channel List
• Channel Scan
• Signal Strength
• My Video Providers
CHANNEL LIST
The channel list is the list of channels provided by your TV programming source. The TiVo box uses this list to
determine which channels to display in the guide and which channels are available for searching and recording
shows.
If your channel list is incorrect, you can change your channel lineup. From the Channel List, press ENTER –
the rightmost button on the bottom row of your remote - to repeat Guided Setup.
The Channel List screen displays the complete list of channels available in your channel lineup. A check mark
appears next to each channel that will appear in the program guide and in search results. (You may see the
group of checked channels referred to as “My Channels” in the TiVo menus.) Move to a channel and press
SELECT to remove its check mark to hide the channel. For example, you may uncheck the channels to which
you don’t subscribe.
Favorite Channels: Select channels that you watch frequently. Include only a few channels in this list, so that
you can quickly see what’s coming up on them using the “Favorite Channels” filter in the guide. To choose a
favorite channel, move to the channel and press THUMBS UP – the right--most button below the GUIDE
button and above the Pause circle . Press THUMBS DOWN – the left-most button below the GUIDE button
and above the Pause Circle - to remove a channel from your favorites.
CHANNEL SCAN
Scanning for channels will identify all available channels. At the end of the scan, you will have the option to add
any newly discovered channels to your Channel List.
SIGNAL STRENGTH
Use the Signal Strength screens to test the incoming signal on specific digital channels.
Signal Strength - Antenna: The signal strength meter can help you make adjustments to your antenna
position to optimize the reception of antenna channels.
Signal Strength - Cable: The signal strength meter can also help diagnose cable signal issues. For example,
adding multiple RF splitters to your RF cable source (the cable coming from the wall) can result in reduced
signal strength on some channels. Use the meter to check signal strength with and without splitters.
DISPLAY SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and then press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages menu, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Displays.’ Display settings include:
• Info Banner
• Closed Captioning
• Lights on the Front of the DVR
• Customize Discovery Bar
• Video Window
INFO BANNER
Normally, when you change channels, the info banner is displayed for a few seconds. If you want it to
disappear quickly, select ‘Clear Banner Quickly.’
CLOSED CAPTIONING
Change the way the TiVo box displays closed captioning text.
To turn closed captioning on or off while watching a show, press and hold the B button - the second from the
left in the line of buttons between the PAUSE circle and the number pad on your remote. Or, press INFO – the
second button down on the right of the TiVo button - to bring up the info banner, then select the closed
captioning icon.
LIGHTS ON THE FRONT OF THE DVR
You can change the display of the lights on the TiVo box’s front panel (the lights indicate when the TiVo box is
receiving power, recording, receiving a transferred show, or downloading shows over the network connection).
You can choose to turn the lights on or off.
CUSTOMIZE DISCOVERY BAR
Personalize the contents of the Discovery Bar based on your own preferences.
VIDEO WINDOW
Turn the Video Window on or off permanently.
RECORDING SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages screen, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Recording.’
Recording settings include:
• OnePass & Recording Options
• Overlap Protection
• Extend Live Recordings
• TiVo Suggestions
ONEPASS & RECORDING OPTIONS
Use this screen to set OnePass and recording options that will apply to all OnePasses you set up, and all
shows you record that are not part of OnePasses. You can change the default values at any time. For more
information, see Setting OnePass & recording options.
OVERLAP PROTECTION
Choose to clip or cancel a recording if a recording conflict occurs.
EXTEND LIVE RECORDINGS
Live events (like sporting events and awards shows) often run past their scheduled end time. When the Extend
Live Recordings setting is turned on, the TiVo will remind you to add extra time when you set up a recording of
a live event.
TIVO SUGGESTIONS
Choose whether to record TiVo Suggestions automatically when space is available.
REMOTE, CABLECARD & DEVICE SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages screen, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Remote, CableCARD, & Devices.’
Remote, CableCARD, and Device settings include:
• Remote Control Settings, including how to program and pair your remote control
• CableCARD™ Decoder
• External Storage
• Name this DVR
• Network Remote Control
• Tuning Adapter
• Power Saving Settings
REMOTE CONTROL SETTINGS
PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS
Some buttons on the TiVo remote are programmable. You have options to control power, volume, and mute on
your TV; volume and mute on your A/V receiver (stereo system); and input selection on your TV — all from
your TiVo remote!
To program your remote, from the TiVo Central screen, select ‘Settings & Messages,’ then ‘Settings,’ then
‘Remote, CableCARD, & Devices,’ then ‘Remote Control Setup.’ Follow the on-screen instructions.
To reset all the programmable buttons:
1. Press and hold the TV PWR and TiVo buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds. The TiVo button is at the
top of your remove, and TV PWR is on its left.
2. Press THUMBS DOWN – the left-most buttons, respectively, below the GUIDE button and above the Pause
Circle - three times, then press ENTER.
RF REMOTE SETUP (REMOTE PAIRING)
The TiVo remote is an RF remote. This means that the remote can control your TiVo box even if the box is not
in direct line of sight with the remote (for instance, if it is behind a cabinet door).
Your remote control should be ready to use in RF mode after you complete Guided Setup. However, if you
have trouble using the remote in RF mode, or if you purchase additional remotes, you may need to “pair” the
remote to your DVR before using it.
PAIRING YOUR REMOTE
To use the remote in RF mode, you must first pair the remote with your TiVo box:
1. Press and hold the BACK button - the third button down on the left of the TiVo button - and the TiVo button
simultaneously for about 3 seconds.
2. After about one second, the amber activity light on the remote flashes five times.
Your remote is paired! Once a remote is paired with a TiVo box, it will only work in RF mode with that box. It
will continue to work with other boxes in IR mode (in which the box must be in line-of-sight to communicate
with the remote).
Note: Not sure if your remote is paired? When a remote is paired with a TiVo box, the remote’s activity light
flashes amber when you press a remote button. When a remote is not paired, the activity light flashes red.
UNPAIRING YOUR REMOTE (TO USE IT WITH A DIFFERENT TIVO BOX)
To pair the remote with a different box, you must first unpair it with the current box, then pair it with the new
one. Note that this process will reset the remote completely, so you will need to repeat setup of the remote’s
programmable buttons (TV power, volume, mute). To unpair the remote:
1. Hold down the POWER and TiVo buttons at the same time until the activity light flashes.
2. Press THUMBS DOWN three times.
3. Press ENTER.
CABLECARD™ DECODER
This screen is typically used only during CableCARD installation. It is not applicable to the TiVo OTA.
A CableCARD decoder receives encrypted digital cable programming and decodes it for display on your TV
without the need for a cable box. The CableCARD decoder plugs into a compartment on the underside of the
DVR.
A CableCARD decoder is available only from your cable company and additional fees may apply from your
cable company. It replaces your digital cable box, and allows you to receive the same programming channels
in your subscription. To watch and record digital cable programming, you must install one Multi-Stream
CableCARD decoder (M-CARD). This one card will let you watch and record multiple shows at once.
Note: TiVo boxes do not receive analog channels. The TiVo Plus and Pro do not receive over-the-air
programming, and will not work with an over-the-air antenna.
EXTERNAL STORAGE
Use this screen when you want to add or remove a TiVo-verified external storage device. Visit tivo.com/expand
for more information on external storage solutions.
NAME THIS DVR
Set or change the name of your TiVo box. You can choose from a list of suggested names or create your own.
NETWORK REMOTE CONTROL
You can integrate your TiVo box, home automation, and entertainment control devices on your network. These
devices include touch panel remotes and other devices that are configured to work with TiVo’s network-based
remote control protocol. This setting will be enabled by your home entertainment or automation installer.
TUNING ADAPTER
If your cable provider uses a technology called switched digital video (SDV), you will need a tuning adapter in
order for your TiVo box to receive all channels in your subscription package. Please contact your cable
provider if you are not sure whether you need a tuning adapter.
For more information on tuning adapters and switched digital video, please visit tivo.com/switched.
POWER SAVING SETTINGS
When you’re not using your TiVo box, you can save power by letting the box go into Standby mode. Selecting
a higher power saving setting means that the box will enter Standby sooner and that TiVo Suggestions may
not record while the box is in standby. Scheduled recordings, transfers, and downloads will not be affected,
regardless of your power savings setting.
Off The TiVo box will never enter Standby.
Low The TiVo box will enter Standby after four hours. TiVo Suggestions will be recorded while the box is in
Standby.
Medium The TiVo box will enter Standby after four hours. TiVo Suggestions will not be recorded while the box
is in Standby.
High The TiVo box will enter Standby after two hours. TiVo Suggestions will not be recorded while the box is
in Standby.
VIDEO SETTINGS
On the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT - the round button at the
center of the arrows circle on your remote. From the Settings & Messages screen, choose ‘Settings,’ and then
choose ‘Video.’
Video settings include:
• Aspect Correction Mode
• Letterbox Color
• TV Aspect Ratio
• Video Output Formats
• Using the RESOLUTION Button
ASPECT CORRECTION MODE
Aspect correction mode alters the way video appears on your screen. Usually, it’s applied when you are
watching an SD show on an HD television screen. Use the Aspect Correction Mode settings screen to choose
from the following options:
• Full mode stretches the video’s width more than its height. The picture fills your screen, but it may be
distorted.
• Panel mode adds letterbox or sideboxes around the video. The picture will not take up your entire
screen, and it will not be distorted.
• Zoom mode enlarges the video proportionally. The picture will take up your entire screen, but edges of
the picture may be cropped. This mode eliminates letterbox and sideboxes without distorting the video.
LETTERBOX COLOR
Letterbox is used to fit an HD show on an SD screen, and sidebars are used to fit an SD show on an HD
screen. Choose which color the TiVo box should use when it adds letterbox or side bars to the picture: gray or
black.
TV ASPECT RATIO
Aspect ratio refers to the proportions of your TV screen. A standard TV screen ratio is 4:3. Widescreen TVs are
16:9. Select the type of screen your TV has.
• Some TVs automatically change their display based on the type of signal they receive: high-definition or
standard. If your 4:3 TV has this feature, you probably notice that it adds bars to the top and bottom of an HD
picture. If so, select ‘4:3 Smart Screen.’
• If your TV does not have this feature, you may notice that it squeezes an HD picture into the 4:3 shape. If so,
select ‘4:3 Standard Screen.’ Check your TV’s manual for its capabilities. Full mode stretches the video’s width
more than its height. The picture fills your screen, but it may be distorted.
VIDEO OUTPUT FORMATS
TV shows are broadcast in a variety of formats, and TV equipment receives and displays video in a variety of
formats. For any given show, the format in which a show is broadcast may or may not match a format that your
TV is capable of displaying.
The TiVo box receives video signals in any of the four broadcast formats (1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i).
If you are using an HDMI® cable to connect your TiVo box to your television, the TiVo box will automatically
set the optimal video output format for your TV. You can also set the output format automatically by selecting
‘Auto Detect’ from the Video Output Formats screen.
The Video Output Formats screen also allows you to test and set the video output format manually. Select
‘Test Formats’ and then follow the on-screen prompts to test which formats your television can display. The
supported formats will be automatically selected in the list of available video formats.
USING THE RESOLUTION BUTTON
Normally you'll specify video output formats using the Video Output Settings screen (see Video Output
Formats). But if your screen is black and you can’t get to the TiVo menus, you can press the RESOLUTION
button on the back of the TiVo Plus/ Pro to change the Video Output format. You can find this button to the
right of the protruding round connectors in the middle of your box. The button is small, and it is located toward
the bottom of the box. Continue to press the RESOLUTION button until you see the desired format displayed
on your television. (This option is not available on the four-tuner TiVo or the TiVo OTA.)
PARENTAL CONTROLS
Parental Controls help you make sure your family has access to only those shows you want them to watch. On
the TiVo Central screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT - the round button at the center of
the arrows circle on your remote. Then move to ‘Parental Controls’ and press SELECT.
Once Parental Controls are on, you must enter your Parental Controls password to change any Parental
Controls settings.
To turn Parental Controls on, use the NUMBER buttons - the 10 buttons arranged in rows in the lower third of
the remote control - to enter a four-digit password, then enter the same password again for confirmation. When
you turn off Parental Controls, the password is deleted and anyone can view any shows or watch any
channels.
Parental Controls settings include:
• Rating Settings
• Hide Adult Channels
• Lock Channels
• Change PIN
RATING SETTINGS
Movies originally meant for release to theaters have a different rating system from shows made for TV. Use
rating limits to set rules for both rating systems, as well as for specific types of TV content. Move to an rating
option, and then use LEFT and RIGHT - on the left and right of the arrows circle just below the TiVo button on
your remote - to change the rating limit.
• TV/Movie rating limits: Ratings shaded in green are not locked; ratings in red are locked. Use the UP and
DOWN arrows - the top and bottom of the arrows circle just below the TiVo button on your remote – to adjust
which ratings are locked.
• Block unrated programs: Some movies and TV shows are unrated. Use this setting to block all unrated
movies or TV shows.
• Manage other ratings: Additional regional ratings may be available.
HIDE ADULT CHANNELS
When this setting is on, adult shows do not appear in search results, and titles/descriptions of adult shows are
hidden in the program guide and My Shows. You will need to enter the Parental Controls PIN to watch any
adult content.
LOCK CHANNELS
When a channel is locked, the Parental Controls PIN must be entered to view the channel. You can lock
specific channels, or all channels. Move to a channel and press SELECT to lock or unlock it.
CHANGE PIN
Enter a new PIN using the NUMBER buttons, then re-enter the new PIN to confirm.
HELP MENU (INCLUDING RESTART AND RESET OPTIONS)
To reach the Help menu from the TiVo Central Screen, move to ‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT –
the round button at the center of the arrows circle on your remote. Then choose ‘Help.’ This screen includes
troubleshooting advice for common problems with your TiVo box. Use the UP/DOWN arrows - the top and
bottom of the arrows circle just below the TiVo button on your remote - to find all the topics.
Note that the first option on the Help menu is “Restart or Reset.” The Restart or Reset menu allows you to
restart your TiVo box, erase information, or restore original factory settings.
To use many options on the Restart or Reset menu, you’ll be prompted to enter three THUMBS UP to
continue. THUMBS UP is the right-most below the GUIDE button and above the Pause Circle on your remote.
Restart or Reset options include:
• Restart the TiVo Box
• Repeat Guided Setup
• Clear Thumb Ratings and Suggestions
• Clear program information & To Do List
• Clear & Delete Everything
RESTART THE TIVO BOX
Use this screen to shuts down the TiVo box and start it up again. This will not affect recorded shows, OnePass
searches, WishList® searches, or TiVo Suggestions. You may need to restart your TiVo box as a routine
troubleshooting step.
REPEAT GUIDED SETUP
You must repeat Guided Setup if you move or if you change your cable provider. Repeating Guided Setup will
reset your channel lists. This will not affect recorded shows, OnePass searches, WishList Searches, or TiVo
Suggestions.
CLEAR THUMB RATINGS AND SUGGESTIONS
Removes all Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down ratings and deletes the list of upcoming TiVo Suggestions. This
does not delete TiVo Suggestions that have already been recorded.
CLEAR PROGRAM INFORMATION & TO DO LIST
Clears all program information, cancels all OnePass recordings and everything in the To Do List, and removes
all Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down ratings. This does not delete shows in the My Shows list. The TiVo box
acquires new program information during the next connection to the TiVo service. Completing this process may
take over an hour.
CLEAR & DELETE EVERYTHING
This option restores the TiVo box’s original factory settings. It clears all OnePass searches, WishList Searches,
Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down ratings, TiVo Suggestions, My Shows list contents, program information, To Do
List, and setup information, including channel lists and Parental Controls settings. Completing this process may
take over an hour.
STANDBY MODE
To conserve power, you can put your TiVo box into Standby mode. From the TiVo Central screen, move to
‘Settings & Messages’ and press SELECT - the round button at the center of the arrows circle on your remote.
Then move to ‘Standby’ and press SELECT.
To return to normal mode from Standby, press the TiVo button - at the top of your remote control - or the LIVE
TV button - on the right of the TiVo button.
You can choose from several levels of power saving when your device enters Standby.
When the TiVo box is in Standby:
• Your TV shows a black screen and the lights on the front of the TiVo box go out.
• Shows that are being recorded or are scheduled to record will still be recorded.
• The TiVo box will still connect to the TiVo service.
• If you temporarily turned off Parental Controls, Standby mode re-enables them.
• If live TV is paused when Standby is selected, the TiVo box will remain paused for up to 30 minutes.
• TiVo Suggestions may be recorded, depending on your power saving setting.