Genie HR54 swap for Genie2 HR17

We appreciate your loyalty to DIRECTV for more than 23 years, Northernlights30. We understand that you plan to add a new 4K TV in the future. To enjoy 4K programming on your two TVs, you'll need to upgrade your Genie Mini to 4K. This requires four pieces of equipment: Genie 2, Genie mini, and two 4K Genie minis. We can schedule a technician to cover the installation. However, there may be unavoidable fees associated with the upgrade. Mark, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@Northernlights30 

If you're fine with a client-only system where you can never have other HDDVR/receivers, than the Genie-2 may be a good option.

It is the HS17, not HR17, as it is a Headless Server instead of a normal HDDVR meaning it doesn't go on a TV itself.

Has 7 tuners and 2TB hard drive compared to the 5 tuners and 1TB of your HR54.

Since it doesn't go on a TV and Clients can only use 1 tuner each, you would lose the option of Picture in Picture (PiP) of the HR54.

Does not have an eSATA port so does not support an external hard drive so is a hard cap at that 2TB.

Does support two 4K Clients using a 4K channel at the same time where the HR54 only supports one.

A tech install would be expected as they have to wire in the additional box.

This would be an upgrade so yes there would be 24 month service agreement.

And of course any recordings do not transfer from your HR54.

If you upgrade to Genie 2 can all the genie minis be wireless or do the 4k ones need to be wired to Genie2?

You would need to get the C71WK Gemini mini clients to do wireless.  The C61K minis are wired only and you can mix or match.  You can add a WVB to the HR54 to do the same.

If you decide to upgrade to the Genie 2 (HS17), we can replace your current Genie Minis with the Wireless Genie Mini (C41W). However, if you prefer 4K Genie Minis (C61K), they will need to be wired. Alternatively, we can upgrade you to the latest Gemini device for satellite, which supports both wireless and 4K and is compatible with the Genie 2. Please note that the Gemini device requires an internet connection to work. Mark, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Can the tech then the cable that went to my genie hr54 for the genie2 and just set that hr17 tower behind that TV and put a wireless genie mini in its place and then not have to run a new cable for hr17?

It depends on the technician during the installation. We hope they can make it as convenient as possible for you. Mark, DIRECTV Community Specialist

 The coax from the dish is connected to either the HR54 or the HS17, yes the HS17 can be behind the TV but IIRC there needs to be 3-4 ft could be more distance between the C71WK or any other wireless mini.

The HS17 is wired-only.

The 4K Mini Genie Clients C61K are wired-only.

The new Gemini C71KW is wireless capable. The HS17 has a wireless video bridge (WVB) built-in (only connects to wireless clients, it still must be wired itself) which has up to 80 ft range under ideal conditions. I do not know the reliability of 4K over wireless.

Any idea what it would cost to get a genie2 keep my one geni mini hard wired to 4k TV and getvtwo wireless gemini devices and send back the Genie they just sent me?

I am not on a protection plan and the genie and two genie minis where installed in 2018 before that I did not have a whole home dvr just directv receivers.  Customer since 2001.  

Is there someone to contact at directv or help from directv on this site?

Hi. I'll be glad to discuss this with you. I'll send you a PM for further assistance. Bai, DIRECTV Community Specialist

If you have a 2 year customer in good standing upgrade coming that will cover the HS17 and the tech visit, I believe Gemini are $149 each plus the $7 additional TV fee.

Call DirecTV and ask about upgrading to the Genie-2 and having the additional Mini Genie be 4K. Remember you must have the 4K TV already as they will not install a 4K Client on a non-4K TV.

If it has been over 2 years of active service with account in good standing than a free upgrade would be expected. Otherwise it is $399 for the Genie-2 for the one-time lease cost.

What if I do not have the Directv Protection Plan with the free upgrades every two years?  Would I still get a free upgrade and just  have to sign up for 2 year contract?

All customers in good standing get the 2 yr upgrade not just the ones with the protection plan.