@CheekyAngus
thanks - as you suggested, keeping it simple worked, he suggested removing one VCR to make it simple
TIVO box to TV via HDMI
TIVO to VCR Via Scart
VCR (DVD combi) to TV VIA scart
so he can watch videos and DVDs and Virgin TV
most importantly for him he can record from the TIVO to VCR!
I recorded the Pompei programmes the other day for him, and he had told me he knew it was recording as he had noticed the red light come on on the tivo box. so went through watching them with him, so he's going to give it a go tomorrow, and put them on a 3hr tape
I did tell him again he has plenty of room so can keep them on the box.
I must have been getting the V+ and TIVO boxes confused where you had to do a special menu option to backup to tape. i'll have to look at backing up some of the kids' tv shows i've got on my tivo.