Wired vs wireless receiver

Wireless mini Genies work quite well but it is impossible to say how well it would cover your house with out a tech checking it out. Keep in mind you will still need to use a wired connection for the main box. An additional video bridge can also be installed if necessary to extend the coverage area but would also need a coax connection. How many TVs do you have?

I have six TVs. It is just a lot of wires running in the middle of my two story house. I’m trying to figure out what is better

Hello @alisaf86  allow me to explain this for you.

Both of our receivers set-up are good options, choosing either one depends on more of each customer needs. For the wireless receivers we do recommend having an internet speed of 10Mbps, and there's no lag time. For more information on these receivers you can click here. 

If you have more questions please let me know, I'm right here for you. David, DIRECTV Community Specialist 

The free air range of the WVB is 80' and they are wired to the SWM splitter. The WVB sets up a separate WiFi network with the mini that doesn't use your internet.  We always say wired is better.

There are no wireless receivers, only Mini Genie Clients have a wireless version. They have no tuners or recording space of their own. In general, a Client is a downgrade to a receiver.

Range from the wireless video bridge (WVB) is up to 80 feet in ideal conditions.

What are the models of each box you have now? That way you get the full picture of such a change.

@DIRECTVhelp 

 For the wireless receivers we do recommend having an internet speed of 10Mbps,... 

David what in the world are you talking about?

DirecTV is service by satellite, wired or wireless options have no need of internet. That has nothing to do with communication from the main Genie to the wireless Mini Genies.

Educate yourself on the service before spouting off info that is inherently false for what the service is, which is by SATELLITE, NOT INTERNET.

@Juniper I  have two receivers HR-24 and HR—44-400. I got one tv HD a long time ago so that’s why I have two main receivers. I have 3 genies c-41-500. Eventually I want to add two more receivers for garage and patio but that’s in way future. 

We were seeing if there’s away to get rid of 6 wires in my backyard that’s very visible but still have great connection. 

if it’s not within 80 feet then it’s better to have wired? Sounds like wireless is better for a smaller house. 

@alisaf86 Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Let's meet in a Direct Message to take a closer look at this. Please check your DIRECTV message inbox (the chat icon next to the bell in the upper right corner of the Forums).

Thank you.

David, DIRECTV Community Specialist

The HR44 can only stream to 3 minis at a time, to add more TVs it is better to add H25s or HR24s if you can get them.  The only other option is to upgrade to an HS17 Genie2 that is a mini only system with a max of 7 TVs.

@shannon02 makes sense why I have two receivers. Does HS17 have wireless genies or wired coaxial? 

The DirecTV wireless system has its own network, your internet speed is irrelevant.  Internet speed matters only for video on demand which has nothing to do with the wireless aspect of the the Genie system.

Hello @alisaf86 

We're still waiting for you on the Direct Messages to help you with all your questions. 

Thank you. 

David, DIRECTV Community Specialist 

@alisaf86 

Genie can pair with up to 8 Clients, but only can use up to 3 at one time. This is because of the 5 tuners, 2 of those are allocated to the Genie for Picture in Picture (PiP). So, all 4 of those TVs share the tuners for watching and recording.

Having an HR24 is excellent. That allows you additional tuners and recording space. Plus, if the Genie goes down, all the Clients go with it but your regular HDDVR works independently.

The Genie-2 (HS17) is unique. It doesn't go on a TV itself. It is a server tower that runs the clients (wired or wireless). It boasts 7 tuners and 2TB recording space, making it appear more capable than a Genie. However, it forbids receivers. This means you would get rid of your dedicated HR24 (and all those recordings) putting it in an all-in-one system. It supports up to 7 clients (no picture in picture capable). It is the only model with the WVB built-in, but you still have the 80 feet max limitation. A Genie and 2 HDDVRs already exceeds the capability of the Genie-2.

From what you've described, you're not going to get away with wires for the most part. If it were still a solid option, I would replace a Mini Genie with another HR24. But those haven't been made in years, and DirecTV is either very low or completely out of stock. Some authorized retailers (such as Solid Signal) may still have them, but you pay the one-time lease cost ($199) as free upgrades are only if you go directly through DirecTV.

With a detached garage or other building (same address) that is just too far for wiring directly with everything else, you could get a 2nd dish. That way you don't have wires stretched between the buildings. However, this must be a full receiver (HR24 or H24/H25) as clients must connect to the main Genie. Doesn't affect the monthly cost as is still the same account, other than the $7 per additional TV if you are adding more than you currently have of course. You just pay for the install as is a custom setup, not covered by standard install.

The HS17 uses the same clients as the Genie, wired, wireless or 4k, but can't have other receivers on the account.  As was mentioned, it is has the video bridge built in but additional wired video bridges can be added to extend range if needed. Based on your size of house if it is a two story and the video bridge/Genie2 could be place in a central location, it would likely be sufficient.  If it is a ranch and more spread out it is more likely to need an additional video bridge. However with so many variables it can't be said for certain with out being onsite.

@Good4u thank you! I tried to post a picture of how my wiring looks but it is too hard to upload. We have a basic two story house not a ranch. Do most people have wired or wireless now and days. Is the signal the same for wired vs wireless with the bridges? If a genie is further away but within 80 ft, would that genie run slower. Thank you for your help. We just trying to figure out if we should remove the wiring before painting the house. Or if this is a better way to hide the wiring from our wall since it is 6 wires all going across my house