Tutor
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24 Messages
Changing to Genie
I'm looking into updating my receivers to a Genie, due to Directv no longer making the older receivers. Right now, I have the HR24-200 and HR21-700. Does any new equipment have to be installed or is it the same wires?
Also, if anyone can tell me the pros and cons of Genie. I know it cost more but is it worth the price to change. Right now, I'm only paying $7 for an extra receiver. Does Genie allow you to watch recordings off the app?
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.8K Messages
3 days ago
Yes, @jerryb33. Upgrading your receivers to Genie requires new equipment and setup. This also allows you to watch recordings on the app once the DVR is linked. To learn more about Genie HD DVR and devices, visit Learn about Genie HD DVR and devices | DIRECTV Support
We also have a specialist available to assist you with the upgrade. Sending you a DM now. John, DIRECTV Community Team
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jerryb33
Tutor
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24 Messages
3 days ago
But what wiring is different from what I have now?
(edited)
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255.8K Messages
3 days ago
As we shared in our DM, our specialist is on hand to provide further assistance. We also value the community's input and completely support you reaching out to see what everyone else thinks! John, DIRECTV Community Team
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.5K Messages
3 days ago
Upgrade your HR21 to the Genie, keep the HR24.
Genie has 5 tuners and 1TB space compared to 2 tuners of a regular HDDVR and 500GB HR24 (HR21 and earlier have 320GB).
If you don't already have it, this adds $3 Whole Home DVR so each box can watch the recordings of the other. This is the only added cost. (Note: If you have a rare special of free HD and/or DVR service that should disclose until your next upgrade, which this would be).
Likely you would get HR54 (3rd generation Genie). This means not connecting to phone line (HR44 was the last) and has the updated GUI (HR44 updated to this, since HR54 it starts with it). So no more caller ID on TV (if you were using it) and working with a different menu layout. Also recordings of your HR21 do not copy over. Those are cons if they matter to you.
There is a revised version, HR54R1, which removes the eSATA port. If you ended up with that the functional difference is no longer able to use an external hard drive.
If you have two cables going to each of your boxes, a bit of wiring update would happen. To facilitate sharing of recordings and increased tuners, DirecTV now has Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM). One cable to each box, regardless of number of tuners or if DVR or not.
Watching recordings from the box out of home was discontinued a few years ago. Many want it to return, but through ownership change, nothing further has been said on that front.
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Good4u
Contributor
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195 Messages
2 days ago
Assuming you have internet, I would upgrade to the Genie 2 with two Gemini clients. With the genie 2 you will have 2 TB hard drive space, twice as much as the Genie And you will have seven channels available versus five for the Genie. With the Gemini you will have the ability to watch your streaming apps from the DirecTV box,you will not have to change inputs or remote controls. You will get the newest remote control with voice capabilities.
The Genie 2 is a headless server meaning the main box does not actually hook up to a TV, that's why you would need two of the Gemini for two TVs.
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