This trick has to be activated. To activate it, go to Search for Programs in your menu. Then search by Keyword. Using your remote, search for the keyword "30SKIP" (no quotes). Your search will yield no results. Select "Continue" and then "Done". Now, pressing will forward 30 seconds insantly. If you want to revert back to the 30-second SLIP (see below), then do a keyword search for "30SLIP".

Unlike the TiVo DVRs, the HD DVR from DIRECTV lacks dual live buffers (the ability to toggle between two shows and have it retain the buffer). Here is a workaround.

1. Tune to the first show you want to buffer and press .
2. Tune to the second show you want to buffer and press .
3. Press and then .

4. To toggle between the two shows, press then .

*Remember to always pause before hitting the back button.*

Once you are done with the recording, you can delete it.

AALL: All the following words must be contained within the program (in any field--title, about, name, episode or category) in any order. For example: AALL BUSH GEORGE - Finds George Bush too since words can be in any order.

AANY: At least one of the following words must be contained within the program (in any field--title, about, name, episode, category). For example: AANY MALONE JOHN- Finds any program with the word John or Malone. You'd pick up any search result with, for example, Karl Malone.

NNOT: Exclude any programs that contain any of the following words regardless of previous match. For example: BALDWIN NNOT ALEC - Finds programs with the word Baldwin but not Alec so again a movie with Stephen Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin or William Baldwin may result.

Also, you can add certain keywords to limit the category or location of a search. HDTV, PPV or VOD are options. For example: BALDWIN HDTV NNOT ALEC NNOT PPV NNOT VOD would yield any Stephen, Daniel or William Baldwin shows that are in high-def, but are not pay-per-view and not video-on-demand.

To find all titles in a specific category, search for <SPC>, then input the category of choice.