AnyRoom DVR is an offering by Comcast that allows recordings to be stored on a single host DVR (usually placed in the Family/Living Room) and then can be watched on a client set-top boxes (usually in a bedroom, kitchen, playroom, etc).

The boxes communicate in the house using a technology called Multimedia Over Coax Alliance or MoCA for short, this is the industry standard for multi-room DVR, used by all the major cable and satellite TV providers. The AnyRoom DVR allows the DVR recordings to be watched in any room using a compatible Set-top. For "classic" AnyRoom DVR service (boxes using the older i-Guide interface) client boxes cannot be used to program the DVR or schedule recordings but this can be done on the Comcast.net website or using their iPhone/Android apps. The new X1 platform does allow for scheduling and managing recordings from the secondary boxes. See the X1 FAQ for more information.

An initial installation by a Comcast technician is required for the AnyRoom DVR service. The technician will install a MoCA trap on the incoming line (the point of entry) to isolate the MoCA signals from the rest of the cable plant and the installer will then setup a compatible DVR and client boxes. The equipment that is currently offered works with HDTV and Standard Definition televisions sets. After the installation, any faulty equipment can usually be swapped out at a local office but the replacement equipment must be compatible (MoCA ready). The provisioning of the equipment is done remotely.

Additionally the inside wiring must be in good condition as MoCA operates in the higher frequencies in between and above all normal cable TV signals. Wiring should be RG6 or better. The installer will check levels and cabling issues before installation.

Thanks to IowaCowboy for the initial wording of this FAQ entry.