Need to upgrade HR24-500

The HS17 Genie2 is a client only system that will not allow the H25s (or the HR24) and that is most likely what you will get.  4K TVs have to be there before DTV will install the C61K minis needed.

The Genie-2 (HS17) forbids all other receivers, only allowing Clients. AT&T was going for a simpler, one size fits all, type of setup even if it was overall less capable. Now that there is a new co-owner, perhaps they will return flexibility of equipment in the future.

Your bill would only remain the same cost if you have Whole Home DVR already. Otherwise you would add $3 for that service.

There are 2 upgrades to consider.

1. Upgrade an H25 to the Genie. Most likely get the HR54, though possible of an HR44 if any are still in stock. The original HR34 would not be available. This gains you an HDDVR with 5 tuners, 1TB recording space, while keeping the tuner of your remaining H25.

2. Upgrade to Genie with 4K setup. This would replace both H25s, the second being swapped with a Mini Genie Client (C61K). The HR54 is guaranteed as is needed for this setup. That Client is the only 4K box DirecTV has. Being a Client it has no tuners of its own, so takes one from the Genie. Plus it cannot work without it as Clients are extensions of the main box, unlike a receiver. There are only a couple channels in 4K (plus a few PPVs) at this time.

Either option would be a big upgrade to your setup. Comes down to if 4K or the dedicated tuner and reliability for the 2nd box is preferred for you. Just make sure not to replace the HR24 as it works with the Genie.

Thank you shannon02 and Juniper. 

We do have Whole Home DVR - thank you, Juniper, for clarifying costs. I think upgrading an H25 and having 2 HDDVRs would work great for now.

So, if I understand correctly, we could use the free upgrade to replace an H25 with, ideally, an HR54 and end up with this -

Main room: HR54 (or possibly HR44)

Room 1: move HR24 here to replace the H25

Room 2: H25 remains

If it's this straightforward, does this simple upgrade trigger a technician install? I assume not.

Sounds like I would expect DIRECTV to send us the HDDVR (44 or 54) and require us to send back one of the H25s. Doesn't seem like it would be that difficult to activate a replacement HDDVR.

Thank you both again.

A Genie upgrade normally requires a tech install. In some cases they drop ship one if the system doesn't default to the correct option. Usually this is updating for the jump in tuners, in your case going from 4 to 8 total. The multi switch tended to double support with each model, so 4, 8, 16, and 32 (though that last one was special not intended for a normal residential install so worked a bit differently).

Yes I would go with just the one box. There is far too little 4K content at this time to warranty giving up a dedicated receiver for a Client, per my own preferences.

With a install, the tech takes back any box replaced. If somehow they do drop ship then either there will be a return label to use the same box (since it is a swap) or you just take the H25 to a participating FedEx or The UPS Store (corporate, not annex/little shipping center) location with your account number per the new return process (make sure to keep receipt showing they took possession).

As a note, you normally qualify for a free upgrade if it has been over 2 years since your last one (or initial install). With the one-time costs that shouldn't be used often (Service Call for repair $99, delivery $19.95, remotes $15 which can be cheaper through online retailers), I find the Protection Plan more expensive in the long run. You pay $8.99 a month ($107.88 a year) whether you use it or not.

Thanks so much, Juniper! I now have such a better understanding of how to proceed and what to expect. Invaluable to me. Like learning a new language.