3 Messages
I want 4k sports with DIRECTV Sat.
I have the HR54 with wireless bridge and two C61W Genie minis and one C41W Genie Mini.
I want at least 2 tvs to have 4k sports especially with Daytona 500 coming up in Feb.
I believe my protection plan has me eligible for no cost upgrade, I contacted DIRECTV about it and they referred me to Gemini sales team, who gave me a Gemini receiver without charge, but I don’t think that is what I wanted, I mean I will use it on one tv, but I want the ability to watch channels 104-105-106.
I think I should upgrade the HR 54 to HS17(if that’s still the newest DVR) and the 3 Genie minis to 4K Genie minis.
I have 4 tvs, all 4K, but only 2 need to have 4k programming options. But if all 3 minis can be upgraded, then why not?
Does this seem like the best option for me?
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.8K Messages
1 year ago
Sounds like you want two of the TVs using a 4K channel at the same time. The HR54 only supports a single Client using a 4K channel at a time so would need to be upgraded.
The Genie-2 (HS17) is a Headless Server tower. This means it doesn't go on a TV itself which results in needing a Client on every TV. It is 7 tuners and 2TB hard drive, which is an increase from the HR54 at 5 tuners and 1TB, but it does forbid other receivers/HDDVRs so is a hard cap. Sounds like the 4K capability is more important for you so should be fine, but mentioning so you had all the info.
The two TVs for 4K will need either the 4K Mini Genie Client (C61K, wired only) or the new Gemini (C71KW). You can have 4K Clients on the other TVs but only two at a time can use a 4K channel. Still some limits as early days of 4K.
Those 4K TVs must support HDMI 2.0 , HDCP 2.2 , and 60 FPS as well as being there for the tech install.
As long as it has been over 2 years of active service with account in good standing since your last upgrade, regardless if you have the protection plan or not, then you should qualify for a free upgrade.
The protection plan covers service calls for repair ($99), shipping of replacement boxes ($19.95), and remotes ($15). Since remotes are cheaper through other retailers (I suspect because of bulk discount to the seller), and you should not need to fix or replace often for issues, I find paying $8.99 a month ($107.88 every year) not worth it.
If you're not changing number of TVs, then no new monthly charges. But be aware that recordings on your HR54 cannot be transferred so be comfortably caught up first.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.8K Messages
1 year ago
And in case it matters, grandfathered packages (as well as the lowest current one Family) do not qualify for the 4K channels.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
The C71WK Gemini was your free upgrade so you will have to pay the lease fee for the HS17 and another 4K mini. The HR54 is 4K capable but as stated to only one 4K mini at a time.
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brifaulkner86
3 Messages
1 year ago
@shannon02 Thanks for the reply.
That makes sense but it also doesn’t. My upgrade(the way I thought it was going to work) would have allowed me to upgrade all my receivers to newer models, but the Gemini only allows for one no cost device but does not replace any of my older devices as an upgrade. It is just a no cost add on.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.8K Messages
1 year ago
@brifaulkner86
An upgrade covers a single box.
The exception is if you upgrade to a Genie (HR34, HR44, HR54), then it usually covers up to so many Mini Genie Clients as part of the order. This was to incentivize those upgrading from old SD boxes or perhaps HD non-DVRs.
Genie-2 (HS17) FORBIDS dedicated boxes so requires every single box being replaced, unless it is a Client (Mini Genie, Gemini, or a non-suggested RVU TV).
The Gemini is a Client, similar to a Mini Genie. That is expected to be the single box upgrade with 24 month agreement. I would check the order confirmation that was emailed or call DirecTV to confirm it used your upgrade. They don't give out free boxes with no strings attached.
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brifaulkner86
3 Messages
1 year ago
Now I’m kinda confused because it says it was a protection plan upgrade, but I should have been eligible for an upgrade at 2 years regardless?
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21K Messages
1 year ago
You get a upgrade option every 2 yrs in good standing with no suspensions whether you have the protection plan or not, the plan just gives a date but there is only 1 upgrade per 2 yrs regardless if it is with the plan or 2 yrs.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.8K Messages
1 year ago
The protection plan gives the agent over the phone an exact date they can check when you would be eligible. Every single one of my upgrades, which have been free, have been without the protection plan. Granted I don't upgrade often as new lines of equipment that are worth it don't come out every year.
I think they were just trying to find a way to upsell the protection plan more often. I find it very low value personally.
Wow, don't see a $45 discount too often. Be prepared when that expires that you probably will not find that again. But certainly enjoy that and bank the savings for that year.
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