Although this has been discussed much, no one I can find has asked or answered this: If I do not use HDMI from Tivo HD DVR to HD TV but use Component instead, will the simultaneous SD signal stay live on the Composite outputs? If so, then the following Multi-Room (same channel viewing) plan should work on a single DVR and subscription. First, recognize this is more an "Alternate-Room" than a "Multi-Room" setup--we will use one set or the other, not both at the same time. Both have access to full Tivo function. It is understood that if HDMI cable is plugged into Tivo, SD outputs are disabled unless HD TV responds to HDMI handshake (HDTV must be on) so I won't use HDMI from Tivo--I will use it from Home Theater box.

Upstairs: Tivo to TV by Component, Tivo to RF converter by composite, RF converter to downstairs SD TV by RG-59 cable (already in place). RF-IR (IR extender) receiver for Tivo Remote relay from downstairs.

Downstairs: IR-RF (IR extender) sender to relay Tivo remote upstairs to where Tivo is, SD TV fed by cable from upstairs composite to RF converter.

jpg diagram attached.

Anybody see any holes in that before I buy the Tivo?

Assuming you're referring to the HR10-250 the only thing you need to be aware of is that in order to get a signal from the composite output you'll have to change the resolution output to 480i. In other words, you can't send 1080i via component to the HDTV and 480i to the SDTV at the same time. Based on you're description, it doesn't sound like this will be an issue for you.

After re-reading your post I realized you made no mention of DirecTV so you probably weren't referring to the HR10-250. I'm not sure if my explanation holds true for the stand alone HD TiVo but I'm sure someone else here will know.

Thanks, Vin--I hadn't thought of that. The Tivo model I believe is TCD652160. Do you know if changing the resolution can be done with a few button pushes from the remote? As we will only watch one set at a time, we could change it back and forth...

That model of Tivo has all outputs active at the same time, no need in changing resolution.

I don't see any holes in your plan. All TivoHD outputs are active at the same time.

Thanks Bfdtv and Maharg18. That's good news. I had gotten myself prepared to resolution shifting with apparently a few button pushes, but if not necessary, even better!

Got the cable installed yesterday; now just must wait for Tivo to arrive and get cable card.

Thanks again/Happy Holidays

Got the cable installed yesterday; now just must wait for Tivo to arrive and get cable card.

You will have to run the TiVo for several days, or force several updates, so the TiVo will download the latest software. The software update should be completed before cablecard installation.

Thanks, Murphy. I have heard of many cable card problems; I guess things like that are very important. I hope the installation manual mentions the rest of them!