Are newer smart/4k tvs DirecTV ready?

A DirecTV Ready TV is one that has the RVU Client built-in. It will be specifically labeled. However it is not suggested as in addition to the limitation of being a Client (no tuner so steals one from the Genie, cannot work without it, etc.), it usually works slower than a dedicated Mini Genie Client, plus the software/firmware updates that are provided by the TV manufacturer tend to be behind.

Personally with the limited true 4K content on DirecTV, I suggest having a regular HDDVR instead of a Client (Mini Genie or RVU). But here is the info on what is required for 4K for reference:

HR54 Genie on non 4K tv (Can connect to a 4K TV, but will not provide the 4K feed to it).

C61K Mini Genie Client (wired only at this time) on 4K TV.

Remember Client has no tuner of its own, uses 1 from the Genie.

4K TV must support HDCP 2.2, HDMI 2.0, and 60 FPS

DirecTV Installation, 4K TV must be there

Package Select or above as of 12/15/2016 (used to be only Ultimate or Premier). So only the Family package will not get 4K service at all.

At this time there are only a couple channels in 4K (plus a few PPVs)

Even if you have multiple C61K or RVU clients, only one TV can be using a 4K channel at a time.

The Genie-2 (HS17) tower can be used instead of the HR54, but is not suggested per built-in limitations and not all bugs squashed.

Thanks - I was looking at packages on DirecTV's site since we'll be switching soon, and they talked about the DirecTV ready TVs - I was hoping that meant that I could eliminate some of the Genies. It sounded like those TVs would, but I wanted some clarification.

Eliminating Genies doesn't change your bill. You pay the same for each TV ($7), no matter how it is connected (Mini Genie Client, DirecTV Ready RVU Client, HDDVR, HD non-DVR).

What are the exact models of each box you have now?

Or by "switching soon" did you mean switching providers instead of an existing DirecTV package?

I don't have any - I haven't signed up yet (I'm building a new house, that won't be complete for a couple months yet). I'm trying to do my due diligence in advance, and deciding how many TV's to hook up. I know with Roku you have access to most of your channels' currently live shows and channel apps even if you don't have a box for that TV - and the smart TVs have the roku app built in already.

Yes - I'm with Spectrum now and will be changing to DirecTV in the next couple months. We are building a house in the country, and Spectrum doesn't provide service that far in the sticks. I used to have DirecTV prior to Spectrum, and am trying to limit the number of total boxes we have - I know that you can access channel apps that you have in your lineup through Roku as long as they are part of your package on TVs that don't have a box. I was just trying to avoid having too many boxes. It sounded like you could avoid having an actual box by having a Smart TV that was 'DirecTV ready' (still pay the $7).