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3 Messages

Thursday, October 31st, 2024 3:43 PM

Upgrading to 4K - Is Genie 2 really required?

Good morning.  Long story, I called to cancel my Direct TV satellite a few weeks ago, and one day before it was set to cancel, my wife called and signed up for a new 2 year contract, including wireless "mini genie" clients and DVR (which we did not have before) even though every TV we have is next to a coax cable connection (so I want to avoid anything wireless for TV).

Today I called to get this worked out.  I explained I did not want DVR (which would save money) but I did have two 4K TVs and would like to have 4K service to them.  The Direct TV person explained that to get 4K, we had to have a Genie 2 which required us to have DVR.  Can someone please confirm that is correct?  I have three TVs, and would rather just have 3 wired boxes (2 for 4K and 1 just standard).

Thank you.


ACE - Sage

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46.1K Messages

21 days ago

Yes, that's correct. 4K service requires an HS17 Genie Server or HR54 Genie DVR feeding 4K compatible Genie Mini Client boxes. 

3 Messages

21 days ago

Thank you litzdog911.  Had a follow up question, if you knew.  As I mentioned before, I didn't want to add the DVR service, but would rather save the money.  Do you happen to know that if you get the Genie 2 server (to get the 4K), are you required to also get the DVR service?  Are the two tied together?

Thank you.

ACE - Sage

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46.1K Messages

21 days ago

Yes, you're required to have DVR services. Why don't you want that?  It's one of the best features. 

3 Messages

21 days ago

Thank you again litzdog911.  Hahaha - good question.  We just never had DVR, one of those you don't know what you're missing if you've never had it circumstances.  

Looks like we will be replacing our current 3 boxes (a H21 and two H24s) for a Genie 2 and three wired 4K "clients" and keeping our Choice Extra Classic plan.  I told the rep one of the TVs was not 4K, but he insisted on three 4K clients and we joked that was a way for me to convince my wife we needed a new TV in the bedroom :)

ACE - Sage

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46.1K Messages

21 days ago

Excellent plan! Keep us posted on how it goes. 

ACE - Expert

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22.4K Messages

21 days ago

Just be sure the 4K TVs have HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and 60 FPS to be compatible. And the 4K TV needs to be there at time of hookup.

If replacing Autotune (non-DVR receivers only) with DVR and adding $13 to the bill ($10 DVR service and $3 for Whole Home DVR) is acceptable, then the Genie-2 (HS17) with 3 Clients sounds like a good fit.

Be aware that even if all your TVs are 4K, only two of the 4K Clients can use a 4K channel at the same time. This is an improvement over the 3rd generation Genie (HR54) as it only could handle one at a time.

Hope it all works out for you. And remember if you change your mind for any reason, you have until the install of the new boxes to cancel or modify the order. That 24 month agreement only starts once the boxes are activated (not from the order date).


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