Setup and activate standalone HR54

Why did you want to replace the HR24? That may not have been the brightest idea since now you have to pay more for Whole Home DVR which you won’t be using. The HR54 Genie is recommended if you actually have clients, not for standalone use. 

Either way, once the HR54 arrives, you’ll need to go to your online account at DIRECTV.com and look for the HR54 under ‘Manage Equipment’. You will be asked to activate it there. Otherwise, if that doesn’t work, call the number in my greeting below and say ‘activate receiver’ to the robot. The robot will automatically look for orders on the account and activate the HR54. If not, you get sent to an agent who can definitely assist.

The connection of the HR54 is simple. The power cable is supplied to you, plug in the HDMI cable that should have been there from the HR24, and plug in the coaxial cable coming from the dish. Now, I am ask, did you have a SWM or non-SWM dish? If you had a non-SWM dish, two coaxial cables would be going to the HR24 and NOT one. In that case, you’ll need to have a technician come out and upgrade your system to SWM.

If you do, however, have a SWM system (one cable going to the back of the HR24) then you can simply plug it straight into the HR54’s coaxial port. Be SURE to unplug the SWM power inserter (black or gray box) before turning on the HR54 or plugging it in because the HR54 is able to supply power by itself. Whereas, the HR24 needed that SWM power inserter.

The HR54 will be an upgrade and I doubt DTV will allow you to self install and there will be a new 2 yr contract.

DTV is only installing the HS17 Genie2 client only system so getting an HR54 maybe a problem.

You order a "Genie" from DirecTV. Will come with a 24 month agreement and add $3 to your monthly bill for Whole Home DVR (if you don't already have the service). You don't need Clients with the Genie as it shares recordings with your existing boxes.

If you only have a single TV, I would avoid the Genie as you cannot make full use of it. Unless you absolutely need more than 2 tuners.

The order requires a tech to come out and update you to a SWM system as the Genie cannot use the older multiswitch.

Most likely you will get an HR54, but you could get an HR44 if they have any in stock. You don't get to choose exact model number, only line of equipment.

If your hr24 is actually faulty then the HR44/HR54 is the only available replacement (other then the HS17/c61 which is two boxes)

Youn don't need to worry too much about the power inserter.  If you don't already have an SWM system the HR54 has  a power inserter built in. The HR44 if you get one would need a separate power inserter so if you get an HR44 make sure directv sends you one.

Despite what some people might tell you, running the separate power inserter along with the PI built into the HR54 would  NOT cause any problems. 

The hr54 genie would be a very nice upgrade for you and it's absolutely recommended as a standalone receiver. You will get five tuners instead of two and have twice as much space for recording, as well as built-in Wi-Fi and picture-in-picture capability. Any information as to the impact on your contract or monthly fees should come from DirecTV customer service not individuals on this forum.

If you currently have a wifi deca (cinema connection kit) that may be eliminated. As has been said, with the HR 54 the power inserter is not necessary so it can be removed but does not have to be. Also be aware the hr54, as opposed to the hr44, does not have RCA type audio and video connections. If these connections are needed in addition to HDMI a special ten pin cable  is available. It also does not have a phone jack.

@Good4u 

Just like you saying all the good things about the HR54. That info should come from DIRECTV.

Most of us on here have much more knowledge than anyone that works at DIRECTV or is new working at that company. Think before you just blurt out ‘any information should not come from individuals on the forum’.

@detuch254  Nothing was blurted out. The statements I made about the HR 54 were objective, factual, and verifiable.  DirecTV may use various promotions, credits, exceptions, etc that makes a person's bill different than the list price. The known customary price may not be what the customer actually pays. That information has to come from customer service.

@OldTechOne 

Great! I personally favor the HR44 over the HR54 because of it’s front panel buttons. Glad everything worked out for you, enjoy the new UI.

@Good4u 

Upgrades coming with 24-month service agreement is enabled as soon as box is activated. Agents have not been able to order a Genie upgrade without a service agreement.

No matter what discounts someone might get, the base costs remain the same. The services of HD $10, DVR $10, and $3 Whole Home DVR will be listed even if they get some sort of temporary monthly credit.

If someone needs more tuners, than a Genie can be good for a single TV home. But you should only upgrade for a tangible reason. The "it is brand new, your box is old, and you are not keeping up with the times" type of reason that I see on the forum on occasion is not a good one in my book. If I still had a single TV, I personally wouldn't get the Genie as I would not pay for a service that I could not use.