Coming back to DT after two years of Dish

Hi, @Bamahooty. We apologize for not being able to watch multiple shows with fast-forward feature. With DIRECTV via Satellite, you can have our Gemini receiver or the Standard DIRECTV receiver. To learn more about our Satellite service, please visit: https://www.directv.com/satellite/ Let us know if you have any other questions about migrating your account to our Satellite service. Kenneth, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Kenneth, thank you for your reply, but I still dont know what the capabilities of the current receivers are.  When we cancelled two years ago, we had the Gemini 2, but after spending an hour on the phone with tech support the other day, they dont seem to know what the boxes (dongles) do or dont do.  She didn't understand what I meant by wanting to watch live TV on more than one channel (tuner).  Bless their hearts.  I just want a receiver/box that will allow to watch atleast two channels, while maintaining features to go back and keep the program active.

In addition, Kenneth, I was told that I had to cancel, so there was no way to "transfer"/migrate to satellite, but start over with a phone number that didnt work.

We offer 3 categories of Receivers 1. Genie: Records up to 200 hours of high definition (HD) or 800 hours of standard definition (SD) programming, 2. HD DVR Receiver: Records up to 100 hours of HD or 400 hours of SD programming and 3. HD Receiver: Access SD and HD programming and requires HD access.

All DIRECTV receivers have the following features:

• Advanced program guide.

• Identical user interface.

• Interactive TV enabled.

• Parental controls.

• Personal channel guides with favorites.

• Search function.

For more information on how to watch two channels at once, please visit: https://www.directv.com/support/article/000088532

Yes, you're right. There's a need to cancel the existing DIRECTV via Internet service before we can create a DIRECTV via Satellite account. Kenneth, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Juniper, thank you.  Well, it's unfortunate that things have changed and you cant get what you want.  We had Tivo not long after it came out and I still miss it.  That being said, Dish has been OK, but their DVR's are not as functional, nor seem to have features that seemed common sense when we had our Genie 2.  Direct TV just kept raising their prices and two years ago we were up to $130 for the Choice plan.

Juniper, good morning.  Yesterday you said,

"At the moment it appears the Genie-2 (HS17) and Mini Genie Clients, or optional Gemini Client (different from the dongle version which is the Gemini Air), is all they are installing. DirecTV was forced away from a customer supporting setup of individual receivers/HDDVRs to a Client-only setup. That is why the Genie-2 forbids everything but Clients."

What is a Client-only setup ????

thanks for your help.

Well, I want Picture in Picture capability, if I can get it. Thanks for the clarification.

Notwithstanding the other comments, the Gemini has Android TV, that makes a large world of apps available to you, and more importantly, you are not controlled by the apps only supported by your tv internally.

I replaced a TV this year because one important app was no longer supported on it, but since now the Gemini has the apps things are much better.

First, Android TV parallels Android on cell phones, so it's much more current than the other proprietary operating systems on other TV's.

Next the integration between apps and DTV is much much smoother. Before when I switched from DTV, I also had to switch the video feed on my receiver and the audio feed changed.

Now everything is always from the Gemini, much much simpler, one remote 99% of the time.

Lastly, as much as some people might complain, this is the way DTV is going, so going down fighting, trying to use older equipment is just a path to less and less support, fewer firmware updates to fix problems, etc.

So I'm content to reboot my Gemini several times a week in exchange for the greater convenience.

Greg

Juniper, understood.  We only have one TV.

Does anyone know whether it is practical to buy my own receiver?? I saw a few companies offering the hardware to purchase, but will DT "bless" it or will it save on my bill??

thanks 

Hi, @Bamahooty. New customers can't activate a new account with used equipment, unless all the following requirements are met: Moving into a home with a DIRECTV system already installed and caller can provide name of former customer. Also, only existing customers can purchase used equipment (For example: from eBay, garage sale). Please note that used equipment must be owned, not leased, on the previous account. Can't be activated with the old access card. Must get new access card. Hope this helps. Lynie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Lynie@Direct TV, of course, I should have been more clear that in the future, I was wondering if it would be practical.

It's a case-to-case basis. Though you won't be locked into an equipment contract, you'll still be billed for a $7 TV access fee for each device/receiver per month. Please note that receivers purchased outside will not be under warranty even though you'll decide to get a DIRECTV Protection Plan. Lynie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Juniper, yes, I was looking at Solid Signal, although their monthly prices for DT service is higher than DT is (it seems they can initialize service), not to mention the $200 VISA card promotion.  My fear was, that they will not be able to offer the HR54 (thanks for all the help on that) and I will have to settle for something different and LATER purchase what I really want from SS, or whoever, to get my PIP ability.  I also thought there was an equipment leasing fee, that a purchase would free me from, but I guess not.

So, @DIRECTVhelp and @Juniper , my wife asked me a question about why something fancy and powerful like the Genie 2 does not have the PIP capability.  In addition, I am confident that the Genie 2, does have multiple tuners.  I am supposing that PIP is just not a big deal for most people and didnt incorporate in the modern equipment.

thanks and I have ordered new satellite service and asked for the HR54.  She had to go away for awhile and confirm that, but I guess I would have got the Genie 2, had I not talked to her and specifically asked.

@Juniper , as of now, I cant see my order; all it has is my cancelled order last week.  The sales lady did repeat back the HR54, but I agree with you, I need to verify.  I am assuming that the installed will have one in his truck, should he bring the Genie 2 instead??