Architecture of 2 HD TIVOS sharing 2 HDTVs???

[cdebr8kr]

Looking for any implementations of 2 HD TIVO units that share 2 HDTVs.

I looked at myavcast.com, but it does not handle 1080p signal.

Anyone know of any distribution systems that might do this?

Also has anyone done an HD TIVO system over existing RG-59 coax cable?

Appreciate the help!

[A J Ricaud]

Looking for any implementations of 2 HD TIVO units that share 2 HDTVs.

I looked at myavcast.com, but it does not handle 1080p signal.

Anyone know of any distribution systems that might do this?

Also has anyone done an HD TIVO system over existing RG-59 coax cable?

Appreciate the help!
I'm not sure what you are asking, but if you mean you want to view 2 HD Tivos independently on 2 HD TVs, then you need an HDMI matrix switch like this:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5312&seq=1&format=3#specification

Also, HD Tivos only output 1080i, not 1080p.

As for using RG-59, HD Tivos (all Series 3s) do not have coaxial outputs. You will have to use an r.f. modulator to convert the Tivo's composite (i.e. yellow video and red/white -rt./left-audio outputs) to a TV channel.

If this is not what you are asking, please post with further info/explanation.

[darksurtur]

Isn't another option to run HDMI from one TiVO and component from the other to each TV, since both outputs can be active simultaneously? Not sure how feasible it is given cabling distances, but it seems like it should work ...

[A J Ricaud]

Isn't another option to run HDMI from one TiVO and component from the other to each TV, since both outputs can be active simultaneously? Not sure how feasible it is given cabling distances, but it seems like it should work ...
Yeah, that usually works fine, too, although sometimes there can be an HDMI handshake problem with certain brands of TV.

I guess I didn't read the OP carefully (it won't be the first time) and just assumed he wanted HDMI on both.

[DeWitt]

Looking for any implementations of 2 HD TIVO units that share 2 HDTVs.

I looked at myavcast.com, but it does not handle 1080p signal.

Anyone know of any distribution systems that might do this?

Also has anyone done an HD TIVO system over existing RG-59 coax cable?

Appreciate the help!

Wouldn't it be simple to connect each HDTV to one Tivo and then network the Tivo's with ethernet then use MRV to view content from either one?

[A J Ricaud]

Wouldn't it be simple to connect each HDTV to one Tivo and then network the Tivo's with ethernet then use MRV to view content from either one?
That would work, but depending on your network, it can take a long time to see the content from the other Tivo.

[Worf]

Also, MRV doesn't work with "protected" content...

[cdebr8kr]

Getting an HDMI over Cat5/6 Matrix Switch will solve the issue of 2 TIVOs to 2 TVs.

No way to get quality HD reliabily using existing RG-59 coax cable. HD wireless is still gen1, so in time that might be an option.

Thank you for the help!

[xfm]

Getting an HDMI over Cat5/6 Matrix Switch will solve the issue of 2 TIVOs to 2 TVs.

No way to get quality HD reliabily using existing RG-59 coax cable. HD wireless is still gen1, so in time that might be an option.

Thank you for the help!

cdeb is correct. In fact, I've found the easiest way to get HD content to multiple TVs in different rooms is via Cat 5 cable using something like this CE Labs unit:

http://www.amazon.com/CE-LABS-CAT5TX-CAT-5-Transmitter/dp/B000GIUXSK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238621287&sr=1-2

There is a companion receiver required for each remote TV. Each transmitter can support two receivers and they can be daisy-chained.

I have a TiVo S3 and a TiVo HD feeding a basement Home Theater HDTV via the HDMI outputs. Simultaneously, I am using the component outputs from each TiVo, going through a remote-operated component video selector switch into one Cat 5 Xmitter unit. At each TV upstairs (LR and BR), I have a Cat 5 Receiver along with a Xantech IR receiver used to send command signals thru an IR distribution network to control the HT room TiVos. I think the CE labs units will carry IR signals as well as TV signals, but my Xantech IR system was already in place.

Works like a charm, consistently and reliably. Only downside (not important to me) is that both receiving TVs upstairs get the same programming.

[xfm]

A little more detail from a previous post I made on the same subject:

I have a Series 3 and a TiVoHD, both using HDMI locally through a Sony ES A/V receiver feeding a Sony 60" LCD TV, all located in the basement media room, and simultaneously outputting component video/stereo audio to a 3x1 remote controlled component video/audio switch (have one spare input). The switch then outputs the selected component video/stereo audio into a CE Labs CAT5-TX balun transmitter which is able to feed two CE Labs CAT5-RX balun receivers -- one in living room, one in master bedroom. The receiver baluns then have component cables/audio cables to the TV in each room. NOTE: the CE Labs baluns can also transmit coax digital audio over the Cat5, but I'm not using that feature, just stereo audio.

To clarify, the two TiVos are in the basement media room, and are able to be completely controlled from upstairs via a Xantech hard-wired IR distribution system. Each upstairs location has an IR receiver which feeds small IR emitters mounted on the video selector switch and on each of the TiVos.

Works like a charm. I can control the component selector switch and the two TiVo's from upstairs with a Sony programmable learning remote. I'm using a bunch of $30 Sony RM-VL900 remotes all around the house (except the main media room, which has a Philips Pronto Pro). This way, my wife only has to get familiar with one remote configuration, no matter what room she's in.

Only possible downside is that both upstairs TVs have to watch the same programming. Since the LR and BR TVs are rarely on at the same time, that has not been a problem.

BTW, PQ is excellent, audio is very good, but not DD5.1.

Link to balun info: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_?...cat5tx&x=0&y=0

If you need any additional detail, email me at 'xfm@aol.com'.


Edit: Since original post, I have replaced the Living Room remote with a Harmony 880 which fully automates selection of which TiVo to watch and automatically switches TV, sound system, video switch, etc with a single button push. Also, baluns have capability to pass DD 5.1 via coax connection, but I am not using that feature.