C61-500 vs C61W-400 w Genie2

Wired boxes are good if your Genie is far away from the rest of the receivers. Also, wired receivers are generally more reliable than wireless being that they have a live satellite coax being run.

Wireless boxes are better if a Genie is somewhat close to the rest of the receivers, and wireless boxes are meant for areas where either a coax cannot be run or a coax run would look unprofessional and/or seeable. Wireless boxes are run by the Wireless Video Bridge, an add-on accessory of the Genie which creates a server/network that the wireless C61W receiver will look for. Don’t forgot though, there is a limit on distance when it comes to wireless receivers.

Wired is more reliable per the nature of the technology.

The built-in wireless video bridge (WVB) of the Genie-2 (HS17) is up to 80 feet under ideal conditions. Walls, electronic devices, etc. can reduce that range or interfere with the signal. And changing that equipment comes with a 24-month service agreement as is an upgrade.

On a related note, there is only a single box capable of 4K which is the C61K. That is still wired as well. Only a few channels in 4K at this time. But if you were to consider an upgrade, I personally would go with more content while keeping the more reliable connection. Normally I suggest an HDDVR instead of a client for added capability and no difference in monthly cost, but the Genie-2 is the one setup that forbids HDDVRs, which is an unreasonable restriction in my opinion.