Is there a nearby DIRECTV office?

Thanks, I was afraid of that. I hate trying to discuss details over the phone. 

You can go to an ATT store but how knowledgeable they will be on DVR upgrades is unknown. You may get someone very knowledgeable, you may get someone clueless. Ask your questions here, the Directv ACE’s generally know as much if not more than the “specialists”.

Both the HR54 and HS17 are current models. While costs may vary due to account specific promotions we may be able to help you make a decision on which equipment will work best for you.

How many televisions do you have service on and what are the models of your current DirecTv receivers?

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@wd5111 wrote:

Thanks, I was afraid of that. I hate trying to discuss details over the phone. 

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You can also use Chat.

Just ask us we love sharing knowledge.

Best bet is to ask here. If your lucky, and your determined to have a face to face meeting, you may also have a local shop that's certified to sell Directv that may be know. We have a local tv shop that is a retailer that seems to be pretty knowing on Directv.

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@wd5111 wrote:

Is there an actual Directv office where i can go and personally discuss upgrading my dvr?

 

Typically, you call them up, wait and wait, then they have to transfer you, then you wait and wait, and are lucky if you can understand the "specialist."

 

I would like detailed information on the options available to me and costs. 

 

But while i am here, its seems both the HR54 and 17 are now outdated. Would it be better to just wait another year?

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DirecTV has no stores of their own. Regarding upgrades it is best to discuss with other customers first because of interesting differences in equipment recently.

The 3rd generation Genie (HR54) is NOT outdated. It is a great model. The 2nd generation Genie (HR44) is still strong as well, though it doesn't support the 4K Client.

On the other hand, the Genie-2 (HS17) is not outdated as it is the newest model. However it is a restrictive design so it not recommended.

For upgrade guidance:

What models are your current boxes?

Are you adding any TVs?

My understanding, as limited as it is, is that the HR54 does not have the latest HDMI specification. 

I have had my HR44-200 for several years now, and it seems to be slowing down. Lately, it has been reluctant to record advance programming off the GUIDE list. I have a 4K TV and a 4K AV Receiver so it seems about time to update too. 

The HR54 just can't output 4K over HDMI as they change the specs to require HDMI2.0.

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@wd5111 wrote:

My understanding, as limited as it is, is that the HR54 does not have the latest HDMI specification. 

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The HR54 was too far into production when the requirement updated for 4K needing HDMI 2.0. As such there is no 4K DVR, but a 4K Client.

Since there are only a couple channels in 4K, plus a few PPVs, I would suggest a full HDDVR on additional TVs instead of Clients. Get more capability that way, plus a more reliable setup as Clients cannot work without the main box.

The Genie-2 (HS17) is normally a downgrade to a regular Genie setup because it forbids HDDVRs from being on the account. In addition to built-in limitations, it still has been a buggy system.

So your HR44 is very up to date. If you need to do a warranty replacement you might get a HR44 or HR54 (depending on stock). To get 4K you would have to upgrade, but there are sacrifices to make in order to get 4K as there is no 4K receiver yet, only a Client.

just wondering, what happens if they have a customer with a HR54  multiple C61K's for viewing 4k content. then out of the blue there HR54 goes out? Would they get a replacement HR54 and keep enjoying 4k or get screwed out of 4k with a HR44?

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@Jjmyers509 wrote:

just wondering, what happens if they have a customer with a HR54  multiple C61K's for viewing 4k content. then out of the blue there HR54 goes out? Would they get a replacement HR54 and keep enjoying 4k or get screwed out of 4k with a HR44?

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They would get an HR54.