TIVO HD, does it down convert HD signal to SD via coaxial for my second tv downstairs

bnbhoha · 07-30-2009, 06:45 PM

My understanding of HD Tivo is that all the outputs have a signal going through them at the same time (HDMI, component, composite, RF OUt (coaxial). I have a standard tube tv in my basement (125 feet from upstairs if I were to run cable). My Tivo HD is setup for over the air HD channels. I don't want to buy another tivo for the basement. I was wondering if I used the coaxial output of the tivo, would it convert my HD recordings to SD? I would us a rf transmitter to control the box. I know dishnetworks dvr lets you connect two dvrs to one box (One HD and one SD). I'm hoping I could do something similar. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

ThAbtO · 07-30-2009, 07:53 PM

The Tivo HD does not have coaxial output, but you can use S-Video or composite outputs to any SD TV with the same inputs or get a RF modulator to convert composite to RF, outputs are all live unless the HDMI is used on a HDTV with the TV off. You can only connect multiple Tivos via a network but they still stay independent from each other, allowing shows to transfer between them, get guide data. Output of HD content will show on a SD TV with bars all around (picture framed).

Picture of the connections on the back of the Tivo HD.

bkdtv · 07-30-2009, 07:56 PM

The TivoHD does not have RF out. It has two RF inputs (one cable, one antenna).

On the TivoHD, all outputs are active simultaneously; HD is output through HDMI and component, and HD is downconverted to SD for output through composite and s-video.

There are cheap converters that will take the composite output from the TiVo and create RF output, so you could do what you describe.

brucemwilliams · 07-30-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThAbtO

The Tivo HD does not have coaxial output, but you can use S-Video or composite outputs to any SD TV with the same inputs or get a RF modulator to convert composite to RF, outputs are all live unless the HDMI is used on a HDTV with the TV off.

I have a Series 3 in the living room on the HD Tv hooked up with HDMI cables.

I also have S-Video and audio cables plugged into the back and running out into the master Bedroom (TVS are on the same wall just different rooms). I also have an TERK IR Receiver and Transmitter. While it's only a 6 foot run or so, it's essentially the same idea. Works too

However, beware sometimes I'll be watching on the big screen and the wife will change channels in the bedroom on me.

Not sure about the TivoHD, but the series 3 outputs over the svideo cables regardless of whether or not the HDMI TV is on or off...makes no difference.

bnbhoha · 07-30-2009, 11:24 PM

Great Stuff. Thank you. Yeah, I have my tivo hd hooked up via hdmi. I guess I might have to got to component cables if I'm going to use the other output. So, there will be a border all the way around the picture on my tube tv if the original signal is HD; that kind of ruins the mood. I checked out the terk on amazon and it's seems like a good setup. I'm not sure if I want to spend that much though. I'd rather run some coaxial and get the "Next Generation Remote Control Extender" from amazon for $30 to control the tivo. Any recommendations on a cheap converter that will convert the composite to rf?

ThAbtO · 07-30-2009, 11:33 PM

RF Modulator

Inputs: 1 x RCA(VIDEO), 2 x RCA(L/R AUDIO), 1 x S-Video(S-VIDEO), 1 x "F" Plug(ANT IN)
Outputs: 1 x "F" Plug(TO TV)

mattack · 07-31-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkdtv

There are cheap converters that will take the composite output from the TiVo and create RF output, so you could do what you describe.

Also, a VCR will work well for this purpose, but might use more power than a dedicated RF converter. It doesn't matter if it's a 'broken' VCR in that it won't record or play tapes anymore, as long as the main electronics works... You probably have one in the garage somewhere.

Note that with any RF converter (including using a VCR like this), YOU WILL GET MONO AUDIO. I know, most people probably don't care, and admittedly I used the coax out of my S1 Tivo(s) to go to another room for a long time.. but it is something to consider.

bnbhoha · 08-06-2009, 07:31 PM

Thank you. I purchased a Phillips stereo modulator from walmart for $20. Now, my question is from the tivo to the modulator should I use S-Video or composite (yellow). Would it really matter? I'm guessing the signal is going out through the coaxial is digital. What do u think?

ThAbtO · 08-06-2009, 07:39 PM

S-Video (analog) is little better than the composite (analog) for video picture quality.
Component (think this is digital) is better then S-video.
HDMI (digital) is better than Component.

bnbhoha · 08-06-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThAbtO

S-Video (analog) is little better than the composite (analog) for video picture quality.
Component (think this is digital) is better then S-video.
HDMI (digital) is better than Component.

I hear what ur saying. The modulator will convert the signal into the coaxial output. Would it still make a difference if I use s-video or composite as the input source into the modulator?

RonDawg · 08-06-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnbhoha

Would it still make a difference if I use s-video or composite as the input source into the modulator?

No. Modulated RF output is worse than either s-video or composite.

snagitseven · 08-06-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThAbtO

S-Video (analog) is little better than the composite (analog) for video picture quality.
Component (think this is digital) is better then S-video.
HDMI (digital) is better than Component.

Actually, component is analog.
"When used without any other qualifications the term component video generally refers to analog YPbPr component video with sync on luma".
Component can handle HD video up to 1080i.

bnbhoha · 08-07-2009, 03:13 AM

Okay, I'll try one more time. I understand that Modulated RF output is worse than either s-video or composite. My question is: for the input in the modulator, should I use s-video or composite? Does it even make a difference since it's going to be outputed via coaxial?

RonDawg · 08-07-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnbhoha

Okay, I'll try one more time. I understand that Modulated RF output is worse than either s-video or composite. My question is: for the input in the modulator, should I use s-video or composite? Does it even make a difference since it's going to be outputed via coaxial?

I will try answering your question one more time. The answer is no, there won't be a discernible difference in this particular situation.

But if you have both types of cables handy, you can always try it out for yourself.