Genie HR54 swap for Genie2 HR17

The offered genie 2 and a  wireless genie mini Should I be asking for Gemini devices instead of genie mini?  Currently have hr54 and genie mini 4k and non 4k genie minie

There is only one wireless 4K mini client and that is the C71WK Gemini mini client, all the others can't output 4K.

Only one Mini Genie (C61K) and the Gemini (C71KW) can output 4K. The 'K' is for 4K, 'W' for wireless.

You can get free upgrades regardless of the protection plan. The plan just gives the agent an exact date to verify when you would qualify in the future. If it has been over 2 years you should be fine. Call DirecTV and ask.

Just remember to read through the order confirmation. You have until they activate/install to modify or cancel it.

Will DTV send an HS17 to replace my HR54 or do I need a technician? If I buy one myself and hook it up I can call to have it activated?

AFAIK the HS17 is consider as an upgrade that is tech installed and there have been problems with activating third party receivers, unknown if the new owner has changed this. 

@aceman21 

DirecTV will not drop ship the HS17 because it is not a straight swap. Unlike traditional boxes, the HS17 doesn't go on a TV. So you have another box wired in addition to your TV boxes.

There have been problems for a while trying to activate boxes from an Authorized Retailer (such as Solid Signal). Don't know what the problem has been, but hoping the new (full) owner will fix it for those that prefer DIY even at the cost of sacrificing official support and warranty for that self-install.

Will still be a 24 month service agreement whether you get from DirecTV or 3rd party. That applies both to free and one-time lease cost upgrades.

Just call main number to upgrade?

Yes just main DirecTV number for your equipment upgrade.

Remember any dedicated boxes, include current Genie, do not transfer their recordings. The Genie-2 (since the very first run of them) does not have an eSATA port to use an external hard drive, so that 2TB is a hard cap.

And read the order confirmation thoroughly before your install date in case you need to modify or cancel it for any reason. Should expect 2 Clients to replace the Genie and other dedicated box, in addition to the Genie-2 Headless Server tower. Those might default to Mini Genie so if you want them to be Gemini make sure to mention to see if it would be covered by the order or if you have a one-time lease cost on those.

I think I’m squared away hopefully this works. Someone I know has genie 2 and 7 Gemini working with zero issues and his is wireless. Mine will be wired. 

I also already have a Gemini at current genie co located so I really just need one Gemini for dedicated box room

Fair enough with the co-located Gemini. As long as account reflects same number of TVs in the end this should be fine.

One caution, it is almost impossible to return to a dedicated box setup after getting the Genie-2. That is because DirecTV supposedly no longer has options to order those boxes and it has been difficult to active them from Authorized Retailers. (So hoping that with AT&T selling off their portion that the remaining owner will fix that plus return to dedicated boxes being a continuing option alongside Clients). Just mentioning so you are prepared for the one-way update on this.

Cross that bridge when we get to it I guess. 

I would add if the Gemini Can be collocated with the HS-17 Meaning it won't be wireless and connected by moco over RG6 and get the internet from the HS-17. 

Depending on where the HS-17 is placed in your home wireless may not work as well. 

Technically the HS17 is colocated as it doesn't connect to any TV whereas a colocated HR54 has the audio/video output turned off.  The Gemini can be either wired or wireless.

Everything will be and is wired in my house