Taping on 2 TVs

Well, if that's truly a DirecTV sales rep, then they're clueless. DirecTV does NOT sell Tivo equipment. And Bolt is a Tivo DVR, specifically for CABLE TV, not Satellite TV. If you want DirecTV equipment, then visit their website to order, or call them directly. Don't rely on a "local sales rep".

We have cable here in the apt. building and I was given the name and number by a manager here, to call (at Direct TV, I assumed) in order to get a dvr.  I assume he was with DirectTV because he quoted the upgraded packages that are available if I was interested.  He was the one who offered the Bolt for sale.  I try to be aware and careful, but can you see that I assumed this was the route to go? Where I live is part of a big concern. Can I not trust them?  What's your suggestion? I DO appreciate all the advice.

If your apartment complex has cable TV, then they're probably serviced by a "multi-dwelling unit (MDU)" provider. You'll need to work with that provider for your equipment. If they're using Tivo Bolt DVRs, then it's not a satellite system. And it's not DirecTV. You should clarify with that "sales rep" exactly what company is providing the "cable TV" service. 

Here's the latest - and I appreciate all the help.  I talked with DTV Tech Dept. and she confirmed that we do have satellite here and explained (as you all probably understand) that it is supplied by cable.  So I'm assuming that is why (in the brochure) they listed service as cable. Very confusing to the layperson.

I also found out that the "salesman" owns his own Home Innovations Business, but could not confirm that he works for DTV, rather think he doesn't.

He recently called me in answer to my email about definitely wanting 1 dvr or more that records on two tvs.  He now says that he is looking around and will let me know what he finds.  Can he get the Genie 2 and Mini Genie? Or what will he offer? Time will tell.  Stay tuned.

Hello @matc34, thank you for letting us know about this, it's good to know that all was clarified. 

Please keep in mind to always contact directly with us in order to get the correct information about your DIRECTV account.

Please keep us updated and don't hesitate to contact us at any time if you need help.

Ana, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Not sure what "DirecTV satellite service supplied by cable" means. It's possible that your apartment complex has a master DirecTV dish that feeds an MDU cable TV headend, so that your TVs actually get a cable TV signal instead of the direct satellite feed. In that case, a Tivo Bolt might work for you. Hard to really give you an accurate answer without knowing exactly what your apartment complex setup looks like. 

From what I have learned, I believe that's the case.  I'm at a loss as to whom to

talk to, to find the exact setup here. I think I will try DTV sales tomorrow to see if they can clarify (since I know they can pull up the account) as the tech dept. said that they would have to know more about the setup here to help me. Still have not heard back from the "rep". Will post more as I know more.

DirecTV does not service MDUs themselves. So your building is serviced by a 3rd party. That can cause some confusion as MDUs are special setups.

However, the "bolt" is not a DirecTV product. DirecTV requires their own proprietary boxes to receive and record the service. Either that Bolt (which is TiVO equipment)  specially authorized for a MDU or that system operator providing the service is doing something shady.

As a note, years ago DirecTV tried one last attempt for a TiVO based DVR specific for DirecTV, the THR22. Problem is it didn't work well with DirecTV's other boxes, On Demand, and like all TiVO boxes you had to pay for TiVO service on top of DVR service.