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Genie upgrade question
I have an older Genie DVR and would like to know what it takes to upgrade to the Genie 2 so I can get 4k.
I don't have or want an internet connection for the DVR now and wondered if this is a requirement, and would I need a new dish as well? I read that some features may not work with an older dish, but it didn't go into what those feature are.
Also, is there additional hardware or costs that may not be obvious?
Any help is appreciated!
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.6K Messages
21 days ago
Ok so the Genie is your only box. That greatly narrows down what to consider.
The HR54 doesn't directly output 4K. The 4K requirements updated too late in that model's production, so they came out with the 4K Mini Genie Client (C61K). They now have the option to co-locate that on the 4K TV itself (so you don't get billed as if you have a 2nd TV).
Genie (HR34, HR44, HR54) supports eSATA external hard drives. Though at launch up to 4TB was suggested, there is no official hard cap. Many have used up to 12TB without issue (though that amount seems overkill to me). Be aware when connected the internal is disabled, and as always recordings are encrypted to their exact DVR so they cannot be transfered.
The advantage of the Genie-2 (HS17) is that it can support up to two TVs using a 4K channel at the same time (HR54 only supports 1 at a time) and has a 2TB hard drive (HR54 has a 1TB). However, after the initial run the eSATA port was removed so the Genie-2 does not support external hard drives (your genie has a revised version HR54R1 that did the same thing). The Genie-2 only supports clients, where as the regular Genie line still supports HDDVRs for additional TVs.
DirecTV doesn't have an option to transfer recordings for upgrade or warranty replacement, so if you go with the Genie-2 make sure you are comfortably caught up first.
If you feel double your current recording space would be enough and don't plan to have more than 2 (maybe 3) TVs long-term, than I would consider the Genie-2. Sticking with a single TV and retaining option of using an external hard drive, than I would keep with your HR54 and request a 4K upgrade where the client is co-located.
With either option, stick with the 4K Mini Genie (C61K), not the Gemini (C71KW), as the later box is built with internet streaming options (similar to Roku, Firestick, etc.) that you wouldn't get value out of.
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256K Messages
22 days ago
You can upgrade to our Genie 2 (HS17), paired with a 4K Genie Mini (C61K) or Gemini, and a 4K TV ready, @roughnut4980. These receivers are internet-capable too, so you can unlock 4K features requiring an internet connection, and a new dish isn't necessary! Additionally, there are no additional costs, but it requires the correct equipment and package. Connect with our specialists at DIRECTV Customer Service - Phone Support & Chat if you need more help and for us to process your equipment upgrade! 😉 John, DIRECTV Community Team
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gregeusa
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570 Messages
22 days ago
Could you be more explicit on needing an internet connection?
like what does not work?
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roughnut4980
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5 Messages
22 days ago
Hi @DIRECTVhelp ,
I was asking if the receiver required internet to function and want to make sure what you are saying. You say "4K features", but what does that mean? Would I be able to watch TV as I do now without an internet connection? Does it need internet to watch anything in 4K, but would still work in 1080 without internet?
I don't want to run internet to where this setup is. If none of this works without internet I'll just keep what I have.
Thanks
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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256K Messages
22 days ago
4K live broadcast do not require broadband connection, as the signal is delivered directly via Satellite. Internet will only be needed when accessing 4K On Demand from the Library and 3rd party apps such as Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, etc. John, DIRECTV Community Team
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gregeusa
New Member
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570 Messages
22 days ago
Thanks, so only streaming/on demand needs an Internet connection to the Genie 2?
I've never run my Genie 2 without an Internet connection, but seem to remember it complained when I first got it and did not have an Internet connection.
To the poster: you don''t have Wi-Fi that can reach the Genie 2 server? Wi-Fi is cheap nowadays.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.6K Messages
22 days ago
@roughnut4980
With DirecTV (satellite) there is no requirement of internet. It is simply for optional features (On Demand, order PPV by the remote, restart from the beginning, Signal Saver).
To get 4K you either need the 3rd generation Genie (HR54), or the Genie-2 (HS17) with a 4K Mini Genie Client (C61K) or Gemini Client (C71KW) on the 4K TV itself.
The Genie-2 is not a complete upgrade of features, as you may have to sacrifice some capability. So depends on your current setup which 4K upgrade would be best.
What are the models of every box you have?
Do you use any external hard drives?
Do you have any TVs with a box on a separate dish (detached garage, guest home at address, or even traveling in an RV)?
How many TVs total on the service, and of those how many 4K?
Do you use Caller ID on TV (legacy feature) or Autotune (only available on non-DVR receivers)?
You do not need a new dish. Only if you still had MPEG-2/SD-only service would you have needed a new one. The Genie requires a MPEG-4/SD and HD capable dish, so that is covered.
And there are only a few 4K channels, and some 4K PPVs. Most HD content is still 720 with some high end 1080. And there are still a few channels out there that only provide a SD (480) broadcast to DirecTV.
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roughnut4980
New Member
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5 Messages
21 days ago
@Juniper
Thanks for the very detailed response. This is what I was looking for.
What are the models of every box you have?
HR54/200
Do you use any external hard drives?
No (but thinking of adding one)
Do you have any TVs with a box on a separate dish (detached garage, guest home at address, or even traveling in an RV)?
No
How many TVs total on the service, and of those how many 4K?
1/1
Do you use Caller ID on TV (legacy feature) or Autotune (only available on non-DVR receivers)?
No
My receiver is an HR54/200, but it doesn't seem to support 4K. The channels are grayed out, but also when the receiver does a resolution test there is no option for 4K. Does it need a software update by connecting it to the internet?
@gregeusa
I prefer not having it connected to the internet. I don't order anything On Demand, and I despise my TV being used to advertise to me. Plus the bonus of not having my watch data being sold or leveraged against me.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.6K Messages
21 days ago
4K does require your TV to be HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, and 60 FPS. TV must be there for tech install as they verify compliant and it works once hooked up.
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roughnut4980
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5 Messages
21 days ago
@Juniper
I don't plan on adding TVs in the future and actually still have a C41 that I haven't used for a couple years now. It sounds like keeping my Genie is probably what I want.
You say that they won't charge for a second TV with the 4K client, but does that require that a technician comes to install it, and it there an additional equipment rental fee?
I see there are tons on ebay for next to nothing, but wasn't sure if they are even possible to use which would explain the price.
As for the TV requirements, I'm not 100% positive. It's a Bravia XBR-48A9A, but I'm not seeing the actual HDMI version or FPS specs listed on Sony's site.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/televisions-projectors-oled-tvs-android-/xbr-48a9s/specifications
Thanks!
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Good4u
Contributor
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196 Messages
21 days ago
As far as I know, colocation (where you are not charged for another box) is only available for the Gemini. I have never heard of it with a C61k.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.6K Messages
20 days ago
A 4K upgrade requires a tech, no matter which option you go with.
DirecTV no longer allows reactivation of old boxes. When you deactivated the C41 a couple years ago it was already a non-returnable model (otherwise you would have already been charged a non-return fee). That makes it recyclable now.
DirecTV has never had rental fees (though Primestar it acquired used to). You pay for each additional TV on the service. Used to be you paid that for the Client with the HR54 even if a single TV setup for the 4K, but they have finally resolved that with the co-locate option. I would verify with DirecTV if the 4K Mini Genie can co-locate or if that is Gemini only. Just to be sure you get the right box. You can still keep the Gemini off the internet, you just will not be able to use the additional option of apps of course.
You cannot get boxes for DirecTV from eBay. They cannot be transferred customer to customer. So either the seller didn't realize they had to return or recycle (being lease-only, which just means DirecTV owns the box), or they are using you to offload their equipment (their account or stolen) to get money back at your expense.
As for the Gemini, there is another set with firmware for their streaming-only service. Some have managed to get one with old user's info removed and swap firmware (I don't personally know the process). But that has risks, including if DirecTV would even activate it on your account.
It appears your TV does support DirecTV's 4K requirements. Though you may want to ask the manufacturer to be sure (as the info took way too much digging to find).
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roughnut4980
New Member
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5 Messages
20 days ago
@Juniper
I feel fully armed now, so thank you for thoughtful and detailed answers. If I pull the trigger I'll be sure to post back for future reference to others in the same boat.
I figured that was the case with ebay equipment and not thought it was a viable option, but I figured it was prudent to ask.
Cheers!
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Juniper
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23.6K Messages
20 days ago
@roughnut4980
You're welcome. The split from Genie to Genie-2, and 4K launching shortly before, has caused a lot of confusion.
Personally, I would say stick with the HR54 for now. I feel 4K is still in the early days (at least with DirecTV) so a bit too much effort for not enough gain.
I am curious what equipment direction the new owners of DirecTV will take. I never liked AT&T's plan of all-in-one setups that are restricted for the customer.
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