Changing to SWM

Only if you upgrade to an HS17Genie2 mini client only system that forbids any other DTV receivers.  What you need is a 8way splitter and a SWM RBLNB and a 21v power inserter that are available online if you want to DIY otherwise you have to ask the tech to install them for the $99 service call fee.

Upgrading the main home will not disable the garage. However, avoid the Genie-2 (HS17) as it is a Client-only system which does not support a multi-dish install like yours.

As long as your boxes are HR20 thru HR24 (including special R22), or H21 thru H25, they work with SWM. They also work with the regular Genie (HR34, HR44, HR54), of which you can only have one on the account.

DirecTV is shutting down their MPEG-2/SD-only feeds, so in the forseable future you will need to update the dish on the detached garage.

What are the models of every box you have? Just to be sure guidance is specific.

House has 3 HR24's and 2 H21's..Shop is H HR 22.   HR24'S are starting to fail and DTV won't replace them..

Definitely do not get the Genie-2 (HS17) as would be a big downgrade.

Unfortunatley, HR24s (the last regular HDDVR) haven't been made in years. Getting refubished ones for a warranty replacement has been difficult as stock was very low (if not out already).

You can still get HR24s through authorized retailers (Solid Signal, Weaknees, etc.), but those would be upgrades that come with a 24 month service agreemetn and $199 for the one-time lease cost (as only directly through DirecTV do you get a free upgrade).

If you have a free upgrade, I would replace one box with the Genie (likely would be HR54). Do NOT get any Mini Genie Clients. Ideally you replace a non-DVR, but if you have an HR24 going out, or prefer to keep the Autotune feature of those H21s, then replace a bad HDDVR could be a reasonable alternative.

The upgrade would come with a 24 month agreement and add $3 Whole Home DVR if you don't already have the service. Genie is a 5 tuner HDDVR and the Whole Home allows each box to see the recordings of the others (except for the shop as on separate cabling of course).

DTV can't replace them as they are no longer being made haven't been for years and their stock of refurbished ones is gone.  You may still be able to replace them with refurnished receivers from online retailers like weaknees.com or solidsignal.com but they are still leased and the cost has gone up weaknees.com is now $214.00 and when their stock is depleted the HS17 will be the only option or just stick with what you have then cancel DTV when they all die.

Ugh price going up? The one-time lease cost should have remained the same. I really hope the new co-owner goes back to full receivers. A all-client system like the Genie-2 (HS17) is a joke in that it removes customer options.

I'm sure weaknees payed DTV whatever price they get them for but now that the demand is going up they are getting what they can before their stock is gone.