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Wish lists, filters, and the upcoming TV season

(this post features occasional guest author and time-saving maven Merlin Mann of 43 folders fame, and how he uses his TiVo to improve his watching habits)

I’ve only recently learned to appreciate the “wish list” functionality that allows you to view all upcoming programs by keyword, actor, genre, or even movie director. It was during the Olympics that I saw some good reasons to view available shows by Type. Want to see just sports shows or R-rated movies? Not a problem. Just walk through the wish list steps, and you can even set it to record future programs for you automatically. Now our household won’t be missing another TV appearance by Charles Nelson Reilly—no sir, not on my watch.

A more practical application exists if you’re thinking about sorting through some of the fresh leavings that the networks will ease out over the next few weeks. Try making yourself a couple wishlists for “SHOW TYPES/Season Premiere” and “SHOW TYPES/Premiere” and you’ll have a quick guide to what’s new on the low end of your dial. That rascal Joey will be yours to enjoy again and again.

Also remember (at least on my Series I DirecTiVo), you can use “Show Options” to filter the Live TV channel guide for any given genre or show type, greying out any channel whose offering doesn’t meet your craving for the evening. Hello, documentaries!

by Merlin September 10, 2004 in How-To, TiVo

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