Tutor
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Can a Genie Receiver be replaced by one not obtained from AT&T?
My dinosaur of a receiver is starting to fail (audio and video lags). If a neighbor has an extra Genie, can I just pop in my card and use it? Or do I have to get all equipment from Directv?
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
5 years ago
That is not a "dinosaur" of a receiver as you mention. The HR24 is the latest regular HDDVR that is not a Genie and a perfectly good model.
If that is your only box, then I would suggest not upgrading. Though the Genie would have more tuners and recording space, it requires the Whole Home DVR service ($3) as is a server to share recordings with other HD/HDDVR/Client boxes. So a single TV cannot make use of that service.
Just call DirecTV and warranty replace your box. That is only $19.95 delivery, covered if you have their optional equipment protection plan. Be aware that recordings do not transfer from a replaced box.
If offered the Genie-2 (HS17), say no. That is still a bit buggy, restrictive by design, and there was a recent billing issue resulting in being charged as if you had one more TV than your actual setup (server tower sits by itself, not on a TV, but for a few counted as a TV connection for billing).
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
5 years ago
No access cards are married to the receiver and it is also against the TOS to trade receivers as they are to be returned to DTV if they are a returnable model, yes call/chat with DTV for a replacement $20 shipping covered if you have the protection plan.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
5 years ago
Receivers are not transferable between customers because of them being leased. So boxes are returned to DirecTV, or recycled if too old, upon them being disconnected.
A warranty replacement is $19.95 delivery, covered if you have their optional equipment protection plan. However, what is the model of the failing box (and any others you have)? Want to make sure you are protected against any agent who might be a bit overzealous with the order and not get what is right for you.
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kyprincess
Tutor
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1 Message
5 years ago
I only have one receiver. HD Receiver HR24-500. Sorry for the late response - internet was out for over a week. I'm thinking of upgrading to a genie?
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kyprincess
Tutor
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1 Message
5 years ago
Thanks so much Juniper! I just assumed it was an old model since I've had it awhile. I don't have the warranty protection so it'll be a bit more pricey. I appreciate your help; I often feel I'm a troglodyte and in sore need of guidance. 🙂
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
5 years ago
Replacements are only $20 for shipping there is no fee for the receiver and it has a 90 day warranty so if it goes bad there will be no additional shipping fee during that time.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
5 years ago
You're very welcome. Some might consider that box to be "old" as it is the last DVR of the non-Genie generation, but works with a regular Genie setup and provides more capability than a Mini Genie Client.
Actually since you don't have the protection plan, it will be cheaper (by the big picture). The plan is $8.99 a month, which comes out to $107.88 for a full year. And some people pay for that for years, rarely using it (or never using it). The delivery being $19.95 is less than 3 months of being on the plan. And in the rare case DirecTV must send another replacement within 90 days (approx. 3 months), then they don't charge the delivery again as it is covered by their worry free guarantee.
So I find the one-time costs cheaper in the long run than the protection plan. For some the plan is worth it as it is a small amount they have already budgeted in each month. So even though they pay more over time, they don't have to scramble if something unexpected comes up.
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