TiVo, Wii, and Xbox 360 Controllers: 8 Clever Tricks

You're probably familiar with the ability to skip ads on your TiVo--we'll fill you in on five more shortcuts. Also, your Wii Remote can control more than just the Wii itself. And why use a mouse to play games on your PC when you could be using your Xbox 360 controller instead? We'll show you how.

For more, see the other stories in our "57 Amazing Things You Didn't Know Your Tech Could Do!" package, including our full list of tips and tricks.

Navigate Your TiVo With 5 Quick Tricks

Your TiVo hardware is full of shortcuts--the 30-second commercial skip that everyone knows is just the beginning. (But be sure to enable that time-saver on your box.) Remember that changes you make through the re­­mote should not affect your warranty, but they may vanish after a restart or after your DVR gets a software upgrade.

You probably know to push the TiVo button to vault to the home screen. The next button you press, however, will lead to other destinations.

Push the TiVo button again to jump to Now Playing. Press the 2 to see the recording To Do List. Push the 8 to see TiVo's Suggestions.

You can flip through TiVo menu lists one page at a time with the Channel Up/Down button. Toggle between the be­­ginning and the end of most lists with the Advance button (the one with an arrow pointing to a vertical line).

When surfing live TV, press Enter to go to the previously viewed channel. And to delete a recording from Now Playing instantly, use Clear.

Next: Use Your Wii Remote Without Your Wii; Drive Your PC With an Xbox 360 Controller