Best equipment package to order for new installation?

These days pretty much your option for a new installation with that many TVs is the HS17 Genie Tower plus Mini Genies/Gemini boxes.  

Which "Gemini" box do they have? Do they already have DirecTV Satellite service?  Since they already use streaming device, perhaps they would be better off with DirecTV Stream service if they have fast internet?

@PSS 

HR54 (3rd generation Genie) has 5 tuners and 1TB recording space. Supports using an external hard drive in place of the internal if you need more space (unless you have revised HR54R1 that removes eSATA port). Early guidance was up to 4TB, but users have managed with 12TB and more without issue so no known hard cap.

HR24 (last regular HDDVR) has 2 tuners  and 500GB recording space. Also can use external hard drive, but has hard cap of 2TB.

Mini Genies are Clients, so no tuners or recording space. They steal that from the main Genie/Genie-2.

HS17 is the Genie-2. It is a Headless Server tower. Doesn't go on a TV itself. Has 7 tuners and 2TB recording space for all the Clients. The eSATA port was removed after the 1st run so no more support of external hard drives. FORBIDS anything but Clients.

With 7 TVs and recording a "fair amount", you are in a difficult position. The Genie-2 (HS17) with Clients supports that at max, but tuners and recording space may not be enough to go around. The HR54 would support regular HDDVRs, and you can mix with Clients (up to 3 simultaneous) if you needed to, which would give you a more capable and flexible setup. But regular HDDVRs are harder to come by as AT&T was pushing for an all-in-one setup to lock everyone into the same thing. I desperately want the new co-owner to change that equipment direction.

If it were me, HR54 and regular HDDVRs would be the best long term value. But unless you are able to get them (possibly through Solid Signal with the one-time lease costs), you might be limited to the HS17 and Mini Genie Clients.

Litzdog911-

 They don't have anything yet, it's a brand new installation.  They don't want to depend on the incoming internet service. They want the Directv service to work even if they have no internet. So a dish must be installed.

 They already have streaming devices for Netflix, Amazon, etc., so the streaming from the DirecTV receivers won't be needed. 

 At this point is it better to use Genies or Gemini's? What's your thought?

The only reason to use Geminis is to combine streaming and DTV sat service in one box and HDMI output.  DTV sat service works fine without internet.  There is only one Genie the other boxes are mini clients as is the Gemini.

You probably won't be able to choose between Genie Minis and Gemini boxes. You'll get whatever the local installer has on their truck. 

@PSS 

DirecTV is service by satellite. So you will get a dish no matter what. Internet is not required, just a way to enhance the service (On Demand and PPVs).

Mini Genies and the Gemini are both Clients. The main difference is the Gemini has more support for internet connected as can use streaming apps in addition to your DirecTV service. The Gemini is the only DirecTV box that supports streaming.

Whether you get Mini Genies or Gemini will depend what the tech has for the install.

If you cannot get regular HDDVRs and must rely on Clients (Mini Genie or Gemini) than go with the HS17 as that is the only one to support your setup. But if you can get regular HDDVRs, or maybe mixed with HD non-DVRs (can watch recordings of other boxes though don't record themselves), then go with the HR54.

Advantages of Gemini: Has access to other streaming apps so don't need to change inputs or remotes. Can access Google Playstore and download additional apps. Has voice remote that can be used for search and with Google assistant. Gemini is the only wireless 4k option. Can get Genie2 HS17 at no additional cost. 

Disadvantages: Costs an additional $49 after first one (confirm pricing with DirecTV) Gemini has a different remote than regular Genie client so if installation has both some people may find it confusing to have 2 different remotes (although they are similar).

AFAIK the Gemini remote can control all other DTV receivers using IR.

@litzdog911 The Genie Mini and Gemini are separate products so the tech would install whatever the work order calls for or modify the work order to suit the customer's needs. DirecTV offers one Gemini with Genie2 at no extra cost on new installations. If the customer wants more than 1 Gemini instead of regular mini there is a $49 dollar charge for each one. Also on upgrades to the Gemini with a HR54 or HR44 the Gemini can be colocated with the Genie and the video output disabled so they will not be charged for extra receiver.

@Good4u 

I understood DirecTV would not activate a Gemini with the HR44. Has this changed?

https://blog.solidsignal.com/tutorials/directv-gemini-frequently-asked-questions/

Can I use Gemini with my HR44?

Right now, DIRECTV’s systems won’t let a Gemini be activated with an HR44. It’s just not possible to do. That may change in the future, but I won’t count on it.