switching genie from one room to another

What are your box's model numbers?

Are they all connected via satellite coax cable?

What is the model of that SD/HD one? (as a note all HD boxes are SD capable, there are none that are HD-only). And model is your Genie?

I would verify that coax is finger tight to all boxes. Then do a red button reset, one-at-a-time, starting with the Genie (as that works as a server for Clients and has more influence on Whole Home DVR sharing). Just make sure reset is finished before going to next in chain: Genie > Mini Genie Client > regular HDDVR > HD non-DVR

If that doesn't work, you can do a full power cycle by unplugging the power cord for a couple minutes. This clears residual memory, in case some small corrupted data is the issue. Power back up in same order. Be aware the guide will take some time to rebuild.

I would also check your recording space on each box. If you have 10% or less available, suggested to clean it out.

Hello @mpsmom, we realize having the receiver in the bedroom suits better for you. As you have a Genie device, the process requires a professional technician to do it. Please keep in mind a $49 Standard Professional Installation may apply. If you have the DIRECTV Protection Plan, you won't be charged for it. We'll send you a DM to help you with the swap. Gabriela, DIRECTV Community Specialist

R22-100 and Genie Gen 3, Model HR54-700, both connected to satellite via coax.  Regardless of playback issues, if I do most recording on the genie and most watching in the bedroom, it's just easier to switch the receivers and have the genie in the bedroom. Is there any reason that would be an issue even if I do have to swap some cables as well?

Why in the world would it take a tech to connect an existing genie to a different tv?  I watched them set it up to begin with and it wasn't rocket science.

It is possible that the HR54 is powering the SWM LNB on the dish arm so the coax connected to the HR54 has to be connected to the red power pass through port on the SWM splitter.  You don't really need the R22 so you can deactivate it and recycle it.

I know (regarding the r22), but I like the option of having a back up to record on (and have some prerecorded stuff on) if/when the genie fails.  As for the rest of your comment, it's all greek. Are you commenting on why it's maybe not as easy to switch the genie to the bedroom as it should,  be because the line it's connected to in the living room is a special line?

Only that it is carrying DC voltage to power the SWM LNB any coax can carry it but it has to be connected to the proper port on the SWM splitter.  Since the R22 is older then the HR54 it is more likely to fail before the HR54, you can still lease a newer but refurbished HR24 from online DTV retailers for the upfront lease fee they charge.

Glad you held onto that R22 as it is the special model being that it is labeled as an SDDVR, but is really a MPEG-4/HD capable box with a dedicated HD box (your Genie) on the account.

Though stock of them is dwindling, I wonder if a warranty replacement of the R22 would result in an HR24 or would their system only be setup to MEPG swap it to a Mini Genie Client. I would avoid a Client as no tuners or recording space of its own (as not a full receiver), the main reasons to have kept the R22.

If they cannot warranty replace it for an HR24, or even an in-house upgrade, then I would consider checking out Solid Signal. Can get an HR24 that way, but it would be at the one-time lease cost ($199) and still counts as your upgrade when activated (24 month service agreement). Would have a bigger internal drive than the R22 as HD recordings take up more space. Has the same compatibility for an external hard drive if preferred (2TB max), unlike the Genies which have no known hard cap (12TB and higher has been reported to be fine for them, though overkill in my book).

Since they are not allowed to be reactivated anymore, I need to recycle my R22s one day (buried in storage).

I have another R22 that I'm sure is refurbished, but never used by me.  I was told they'd never activate the new one since it was so old.  Seems like a total waste if I'm happy with it, what do they have to lose (or gain) by not activating it?

It is the account system AT&T went to when they bought DTV that will not allow any old DTV receivers to be reactivated and now that they sold off 30% of DTV the new partner may change it.  99% sure  all you receivers are refurbished. 

@DIRECTVhelp Gabriella the protection plan does NOT cover a receiver relocation and a tech is NOT needed to do this as long as the customer understands that the power inserter whether built in (hr54) or external must be connected to the power pass port on the swm switch. The only thing you got right is the cost of the receiver relocation

@mpsmom 

Most boxes, even current models, are refurbished. They are not pumping them off an assembly line, especially with shortages since the pandemic.

Reactivating a box was more for the old owned days. Now with boxes being lease-only, they get returned upon deactivation so that customers aren't holding onto equipment that DirecTV owns but is not making any money from the authorized TV fee. (recycled if too old a model of course)

DirecTV is now focused on MPEG-4-only boxes, and since AT&T's take over (even with the split to the new co-owner), has been pushing everyone to a Genie-only setup. The Gene-2 (HS17) only allows Clients, unlike the regular Genie line. They wanted a simple company friendly setup, even though it sacrificed flexibility for the customer.

The R22 wasn't properly understood by agents even back in the days before AT&T. It was an SDDVR provided to areas that had adopted MPEG-4 locals even though their service was SD-only (hence why my first DVRs were the R22).

They want simple equipment that is up to date. Anything pre-Genie is non-returnable as was not built specifically for SWM but the older multi-switch. And starting with the 2nd generation Genie (HR44) they overhauled the software and user interface. That included finally removing Caller ID on TV from the menu as hasn't been supported for years (HR54 is first without phone jack).

Comes down to that a company will not continue supporting legacy equipment indefinitely. Though a good model well past the intended time, the R22 is simply outdated.

That being said, I do hope the new co-owner goes back to full HDDVRs (maybe an HR25 as would be the next logical number), as Client-only is too heavy handed by the company.