genie mini optical out?

Hi @tbill1, that's right. Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

If I started new service, would I still be able to get the C61k?

Yes, C61K is intended to be used with supported 4K TVs that are not DIRECTV 4K Ready. Also, please note that your TV or AV receiver must have an HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 port and support a minimum of 60Hz.  Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

That reply really throws me for a "loop" as all my TVs are older than 5 years and do not have HDMI 2.0.  I have 5 TVs where I  must be able to record or playback from any one of them. But I must have digital optical out on them for my wireless headphones. Is there a setup where my requirements can be met?

If you're wanting to simply link your wireless headphones, you can still have it. Our C61K features optical digital audio. Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

So the HDMI 2.0 requirement only is a concern if I want 4k?

Yes, that's correct. Shirley, DIRECTV Community Specialist

The "K" designates a 4K capable box. The C61K is the 4K Mini Genie Client and the C71KW is the newer Gemini Client.

DirecTV's 4K service requires HDMI 2.0 along with HDCP 2.2 and 60 FPS.

If you are not getting 4K than you would most likely end up with C61 (no "K") which is the most recent regular Mini Genie.

A picture of the C71WK (bottom) shows a optical output jack. The C61(top) doesn't have an optical output port