Critical fault error/Code 14-610?

All of the above and no they can't be recovered as they are encrypted to the DVR and will not play on any other DVR.  DTV no longer has any HR24s or lower although you might be able to lease an HR24 from a third party online dealer for the full up front lease price.  DTV may still have HR54 Genies available but they are SWM only.  The latest DTV has is the HS17 Genie2 client only system,

Ouch. Whether age, fault from power outage, or combination, the storage device (HDD) failing would be critical.

Recordings cannot be transferred as they are encrypted to their exact DVR. You could try unplugging power for a couple minutes to allow a full proper power cycle to see if it comes on, that would be your last chance to salvage the recordings.

The last regular HDDVR was the HR24. Sounds like they are out of bulk stock, but some techs may have them on hand. They have been available through 3rd party authorized retailers (such as Solid Signal), but instead of being a free option that would be $199 for one-time lease cost.

I would first call DirecTV and see if you can get a warranty replacement for your HR21 (assuming you weren't one who bought it full retail $499). This should result in an HR24 if any are still available, with no agreement renewal, and only possible cost being $19.95 (plus tax) delivery. Has a larger hard drive (500GB).

The alternative is an upgrade which would be for a Genie (likely the 3rd generation,  model HR54). If you don't already have a Genie of course. This is 5 tuners with a 1TB hard drive. It would add $3 Whole Home DVR (if you don't have it) and come with a 24 month service agreement. It does work with any other HD boxes you might have (H21 thru H25, HR20 thru HR24, and special R22).

Careful as DirecTV was pushed to a client-only setup by AT&T. That might limit your upgrade option to the Genie-2 (HS17). It is 7 tuners with a 2TB drive, but only allows clients. So no increasing tuners or recording space and all TVs are reliant on one box to work.

Really hope the new co-owner innovates proper HDDVRs again.

Hello @Kbb, we can certainly help with that. DIRECTV Gemini device is our newest equipment. Enhanced features include easy access to your favorite apps, DVR/Cloud DVR, 4K experience, a voice-controlled remote and more. Here https://www.directv.com/technology/gemini/ you can learn more about it.

Error 14 is a system diagnostic code. A problem was detected reading your internal storage device, an error in the receiver's hard drive. If the reboot completes and you still receive the same error code, we must replace your receiver. However, we're sending you a PM to investigate further. William, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@DIRECTVhelp 

William, the Gemini is not a equivalent swap. The Cloud DVR is for those who have DIRECTV STREAM, as the box itself doesn't have DVR capability. It also doesn't have tuners. Simply put the Gemini is a Client of a Genie on satellite service. It is only standalone for DIRECTV STREAM.

You replace the HR21 with a Gemini and now they are without TV (unless they already have a Genie on another TV).

Well darn it, that's about 8 years of recordings down the drain. I sure wish these DVRs had some kind of warning that the hard drive was about to go. I knew I was pushing my luck but I never had any major issues before. 

What does SWM mean? I'm not up on the latest lingo since I didn't need to worry about it. 

The Directv tech told me the 2 options I had was a 54 or a 44 without giving me much detail. I want to have as big a hard drive as possible. She didn't tell me anything about the 24. I don't rely on streaming right now, I'd rather have a true DVR. Sounds like I might not be set up for these Genie devices.Very frustrating. Thanks for the responses. 

SWM= Single Wire Multiswitch means only 1 coax from the dish is needed and it goes to a SWM splitter to add other DTV receivers using only 1 coax.  Only the HR54 has the few 4K channels but you will need C61K minis to watch programs in 4K