New Member
 •Â
4 Messages
Equipment Swap
I've been a DirecTV customer for 18 years and would like to have my vintage equipment updated. I currently have one HR21-700 DVR, one H23-400 receiver and one H24-100 receiver. Have not had any uprades since 2012. I just recently purchased two 2022 Samsung 4K televisions and would like to upgrade to the latest Genie 2 system. There is a lot of conflicting information around as to what hardware is necessary. Many posts are 5 years old. Ths way I understand it is this: I wound want a Genie 2 HS17 and three C61K clients. I want all clients the same for when I upgrede the non-4K television. I akso want all the clients hard wired with coax. The coax is alreasy there. Is this the correct setup?
Also, my current programming is called 'Choice Xtra Classic'. Very similar to the current Choice package. Would I have to upgrade my programming package to have access to 4K programming?
Would a tech be required to install? I already have a reverse band 4K SWM to put on my slimline dish.
What is a good number to call DirecTV to get this done without hours waiting on the phone?
Accepted Solution
detuch254
ACE - New Member
 •Â
5.2K Messages
3 years ago
If I’m not mistaken, you’ll need to upgrade your programming package to CHOICE or above to get 4K service.
Usually, for upgrade orders, technicians don’t come unless your system needs to be replaced. In this case, since you already have the necessary dish config, there’s no need for a tech to come.
The best number to call is in my greeting below. Just be aware that if you want an HS17 and C61K 4K clients then you can’t add any other DVRs or standalone HD receivers to the account. HS17 forbids any of these receivers like you have on the account currently. (i.e. your HR21 and H24)
Additionally, this upgrade will result in a two year contract.
0
0
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
 •Â
23.4K Messages
3 years ago
Unless it has changed recently, only the Family package does not get 4K channels (originally only Ultimate and Premier had them). However, as Choice Xtra Classic is grandfathered before 4K was an option, it does not get 4K channels. The only reason to have kept that package was for genre specific channels (Cloo, Chiller, and SoapNet) which have been shut down by their parent owners, so you are paying a bit more for an equivalent current package (Xtra). Though compare the channels you do watch before deciding on a current package to make sure you don't go higher than what works for you.
You cannot get three C61K Mini Genie Clients as you only have two TVs that are 4K. The 3rd Client would be a non-4K model.
The Genie-2 (HS17) can only support two TVs at a time using a 4K channel.
There are only a few channels in 4K (plus some PPVs).
The 4K TVs must support HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and 60 FPS.
Yes, this will be a tech install.
With the limited 4K content, I personally would upgrade the two non-DVRs to a Genie and Mini Genie Client (keeping your HR21) to get more reliability and bang for your buck. You also have the option of replacing the 2nd non-DVR for an HDDVR. That is more flexibility and capability over the restrictive Genie-2 (HS17).
But if your heart is set on the limited 4K content, and you absolutely want to support three 4K TVs, then wait until you have the 3rd TV. DirecTV will not future install, only covering what TVs you actually have. Though as only two TVs at a time can use a 4K channel then you could upgrade now and not worry about 4K on the 3rd TV as it couldn't use it at the same time anyway.
You should be paying $10 for HD and $10 for DVR service. This would add $3 for Whole Home DVR (assuming you didn't install that service pre-Genie and have it already). Naturally all upgrades come with a 24-month agreement.
If your last upgrade was 2012, then you should be qualified for a free one. That covers the equipment. Depending on your account you might have either a $19.95 (just to cover delivery) or $99 for standard install (though unlikely since your last upgrade was a decade ago).
You will need to call DirecTV to verify if there are either of those one-time costs on the order.
Your equipment is not obsolete. Satellite tech doesn't advance much. Only if it were MPEG-2/SD-only would it actually be obsolete. The most overall capable setup is a Genie (preferably 2nd/3rd generation HR44 or HR54) and two HDDVRs. Last regular HDDVR is HR24 with a 500GB hard drive. The HR21 was the last with the 320GB.
So, are a number of channels you can count on one hand that are in 4K (plus a few optional PPVs) most important or would you prefer more tuners, recording space, and independent reliability of each box? That is the question you need to ask yourself regarding a regular Genie upgrade with HDDVRs or the Genie-2 that everyone shares same settings and recording list (including deleting anything from any room with no protection).
You can't get new customer promotions. We are only a new customer once. So advertised pricing, including gift cards, are the intro offer (welcome basket if you will). Certainly, ask if your account might have discounts available but be prepared that likely there will not be (at least nothing near a new customer offer). Intro offers are not sustainable for existing accounts which is why they are one-time.
Bottom line to get what a new customer has; you go to another provider where you actually are a new customer.
(edited)
0
0
Lee_L
New Member
 •Â
4 Messages
3 years ago
The equipment limitations are ok with me. There are only two of us here and the equipment I have is obsolete (or close to it). The two year contract is understood. The price to pay for free hardware.
One other thing, would there be any activation fees or other costs? I was thinking about calling the Customer Loyalty number and try to get the new customer promotions ($10 off for 1 year and the $100 gift card). What I want to do is essentially the same as a new customer. Especially if you throw in the 2 year contract. What are the odds for this?
(edited)
0
0
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
 •Â
255.7K Messages
3 years ago
Hello @Lee_L , we want you to have cutting edge equipment to enjoy your 4K TVs at their best quality.
Josue, DIRECTV Community Specialist
0
0
Lee_L
New Member
 •Â
4 Messages
3 years ago
Believe it or not, I would lose 20 channels by changing to the Choice package. Only 4 or 5 I watch occasionally like NatGeo Wild, CBS Sports Network and FX Movie. Monthly price is $2 less.
Good info. Still a conflict on the required tech install. I have no issues with doing it myself on my schedule. Last time I had to fix what the professional did.
0
0
Juniper
ACE - Expert
 •Â
23.4K Messages
3 years ago
Choice is not the equivalent of Choice Xtra Classic. The old packages were confusing because of the overlapping names.
Old: Choice, Choice Xtra, Choice Ultimate
New: Choice, Xtra, Ultimate.
So, the equivalent would be Xtra which has historically been about $1.50 - $2 less than Choice Xtra Classic (base cost, ignoring any advertised discounts).
DirecTV does not offer 4K self-install. That is tech install only as they have to verify you have a compatible 4K TV and that it all works upon setup. And any Genie install is a tech appointment.
A regular HDDVR 'might' be delivery if their system recognizes they did a SWM-install. But that seems unlikely with your HR21 and a decade since your last upgrade. Their system would probably reflect you being on the older multi switch that required a cable per tuner.
The only way to guarantee self-install is going through a 3rd party retailer (such as Solid Signal) where you pay the one-time lease cost for every box (only DirecTV orders have the free upgrade option) and still get the new service agreement.
Sorry but DirecTV isn't a company built for self-installs. But whatever issue you had with the tech before is no longer relevant as that was a decade ago. If you have any specific concerns about how the install is done, such as anything custom, you discuss with tech on-site before the work is done. Naturally verify what is being done as they go, or what has been done, before signing off on the work order.
0
0