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Adding a fourth receiver
Not a customer, but trying to help out a friend who just came home from a lengthy hospital stay.
Her system was installed in 2015 - one DVR with two of the “smaller” boxes, still has all the same equipment. She asked me what it would entail to add a fourth box in the kitchen - is there any sort of “wireless” option available? From what I understand, there isn’t an app-based option any more. Would also like some info on cost, which I suspect might be prohibitive.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
4 years ago
They run the line from the SWM (Single Wire Multiswitch) to wherever the WVB will be.
Ideally though instead of WVB you get that line run into the kitchen and have the Mini Genie (existing wired model) there with upgraded HDDVR on the other TV, which is a more reliable setup (as wireless of course can be prone to interference, and things like Microwaves are not friendly for wireless devices).
Also make sure they don't accept an offer for the Genie-2 (HS17). This is a restrictive setup, has had reliability concerns since launch, and doesn't go on a TV (server tower sits by itself) so you will still have another line run.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
4 years ago
We need the model numbers.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
4 years ago
@MadMac1886
What are the model numbers of each box? That will sort out the options.
Though it sounds like she may have a Genie and 2 Mini Genie Clients. If so then she has a couple options.
1. Order an HDDVR. This has 2 tuners and 500GB recording space. Can work even if Genie doesn't. Still watch all recordings from any room in the home.
2. Order a Mini Genie Client. Steals a tuner from the main Genie as is a Client, not a receiver. Naturally much smaller box.
2.b Mini Genies are the only ones to have a Wireless model. Requires a wireless video bridge (WVB) installed on her coax as that serves as the antenna. Has up to 80 foot range (under perfect conditions). The WVB is not covered by a free upgrade so would be $99 for the owned accessory.
Since the monthly cost will add the same $7 no matter what box is added, I personally would go with an HDDVR. But I understand kitchen location might prefer a smaller box.
Sounds like she should have a free upgrade for the box itself since it has been a while since her last install, but just in case here are the one-time lease costs.
Mini Genie Client $99
HD non-DVR $99
HDDVR $199
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MadMac1886
New Member
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3 Messages
4 years ago
I’ll work on getting the model numbers, but it sounds like it’s the Genie and two “Minis” she has - I used to be a lot more familiar with this as a past Direct customer. I’d say the WVB and “client” would be her best option - she probably doesn’t want the hassle of trying to get wires where none already exist, so I’m interpreting the cost as:
WVB - $99 “one-off” purchase
Client - $99 “one-off” lease
Monthly cost - $7
Is it possible to do this as a “self-install” these days?
(edited)
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
4 years ago
The WVB must be installed on the coax, just like you would a receiver. So that requires a tech install as they must run the new line to where the WVB will be. I would only go the wireless route if they are not comfortable with the new line being in the kitchen itself.
If she goes wired to the kitchen, easiest to do would be getting an HDDVR to go on an existing TV and relocating that Mini Genie to the kitchen. Gets more capability plus the convenience of the smaller box for the kitchen itself.
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MadMac1886
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3 Messages
4 years ago
Ah, I see what you’re getting at now. I had somehow got the impression that the WVB was an “inline” device rather than an “endpoint” that needs its own line from the SWM. If I’m feeling motivated 🤣🤣🤣, I’ll stop by later in the week with a stepladder and take a look at how this is all set up. Thanks!
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