New Member
Replace HR44 without technician visit
My 8 year old Genie HR44 can transmit to a mini Genie but otherwise isn’t working - no picture or sound on 2 different TVs; multiple troubleshooting attempts- no results.
After 4 phone calls to get a replacement and being assured nobody would have to come inside my house —- Nope, I’m told I need a whole new setup requiring entry.
I won’t let anyone inside until the pandemic is over. Can I buy a replacement on Amazon, HR44 or HR54, and get it to work?
shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.3K Messages
5 years ago
Could be the mini, can you swap them? Is this a wireless mini as the WVB can also be the problem or the HDMI cable.
(edited)
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.7K Messages
5 years ago
Let me see if I understand ....
The Minis are working fine, but the main HR44 shows no video/audio when connected to 2 different TVs, right? Have you tried resetting the HR44? Tried different HDMI cable, or using the Composite (yellow) RCA video connection as a test?
Sadly you can't just go buy an HR44/HR54 on your own. But I'm surprised that they won't just ship one to you to replace yourself.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.5K Messages
5 years ago
You don't need a whole new setup. Agents are either clueless or trying to scam an upgrade to the Genie-2 (HS17) which I heavily caution against as is a restrictive setup (though fine in select situations).
Warranty replacement is $19.95, covered if you have their optional protection plan. Depends on stock if you get a HR44 or HR54.
Call DirecTV and when you get the voice system say "cancel" so you get a agent who is usually more experienced. They may still offer an upgrade, but warranty replacement is still your option. If they refuse, then request a supervisor.
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Kaaarin
New Member
5 years ago
@litzdog911 -
Correct - no picture/sound, no success switching HDMI cable or RCA -yellow cable component.
@shannon02-
The mini works fine, it’s not wireless, and with the HR44 plugged into the cable attached to the main feed, we have TV.
I can’t believe in the midst of the pandemic I have to let someone into my house????
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.5K Messages
5 years ago
You do not need someone in your house. Warranty replacement is shipped. Unless there is a major change in your setup, a tech is not sent. Whether you get a HR44 or HR54, no tech is needed.
Only if they were "upgrading" to the Genie-2 (HS17), or scheduling a service call for repair, would a tech go out.
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Kaaarin
New Member
5 years ago
@Juniper
I will try this and escalate if need be. So aggravated wasting time on the effing phone to simply replace an 8 year old gadget!!! Paying sooo much for DTV in a rural area with no broadband TV or internet - hostage to this ripoff sitch.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23.5K Messages
5 years ago
I agree that this is not going the way it should. Shipping a warranty replacement is normally something simple. Probably a mix of outsourced agents, and normal ones trying to boost their upgrades or other stats, causing the issue.
Though 8 years old, doesn't make it obsolete. The HR44 is still one of their top models. The HR54 has some improved capability as needed to support a 4K Client upgrade, but that is it. When it comes to satellite equipment, they don't constantly improve by leaps and bounds like other technologies. Just avoid upgrading to the Genie-2 (HS17) or you will end up with more aggravation (in my opinion).
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