Thinking of switching to DIRECTV

DTV is only installing the HS17 Genie2 that does all the recordings that can be played on any of the mini clients.

Good question, @tbill1. Yes, you can record and playback your favorite shows or program with DIRECTV via Satellite. With our Advance Receiver: DVR/HD DVR Service, it will allow you record, pause, slow-motion, fast-forward, and rewind live TV and recorded shows. Check this link https://www.directv.com/support/article/000096463 to learn more. We're excited for you to be part of our family. Elton, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Thanks Elton,

What is the main DVR receiver called and what would the other 4 receivers I would need to record and playback be called?

As stated the HS17Genie 2 and 5 mini clients as the HS17 doesn't connect to any TV.

I'm a little confused... If It doesn't connect to the TV, I would think it has to be connected to the internet??? 

You're welcome. Our main receiver is called Genie, and the small receivers are called Genie Minis. Please don't be confused. The Genie is an HD DVR for customers with DIRECTV via Satellite that lets you enjoy full HD DVR service in every room of your home without needing a separate DVR receiver for each room. Learn more at https://www.directv.com/technology/ and check the FAQs below. Elton, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Thanks again Elton,

I also have a question about pricing. I want to have the Premium package, but the new customer promo offers 3 months of premium channels free. So do I order the Ultimate package and then switch over after 3 months or do they adjust the Premium package for the promo? Also I have a question about the Genie minis.. Do they have an digital optical connection that I need for my wireless headphones transmitter?

Nope, the Genie connects to the sat dish, it can be connected to the internet to get On Demand and pay for PPV with the remote.

Good thing you asked. Once you're signed up with our ULTIMATE Package, you'll get premium channels included for the first 3 months, and it will auto-renew on the 4th month unless you remove it from your account. If you're into premium channels, we also have the PREMIER Package where you can get more savings. You'll get everything in ULTIMATE plus the top-rated premium networks, including Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Go to https://www.directv.com/packages/ to start with the package you desire. Elton, DIRECTV Community Specialist

A quick look at pictures show that the C61K and C71KW both have digital optic outputs the rest seem to have digital coax outputs.

Our Genie Minis has an integration of video distribution through the customers' existing coax cables. A combination Composite/Component/Audio Mini-DIN Output Connector (10-pin mini-DIN connector). Digital optical connection for wireless headphones' transmitter would be a bold idea. We'll forward it to our team, so they can review and determine the next steps. Elton, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@tbill1 

I'm a little confused... If It doesn't connect to the TV, I would think it has to be connected to the internet??? 

The Genie-2 (model is HS17) is a Headless Server tower. Unlike a traditional receiver, it doesn't connect to a TV itself. It receives the info from your receiving satellite dish and then feeds that info to each Client you have. The Client's go on each TV. So one box to rule them all. It is the main brain and sole DVR for the entire setup.

As a note, the Genie-2 does not allow any other receivers on the account because of the all-in-one setup.

DirecTV is service by satellite so does not have to be connected to internet.

For Elton,

I do view premium channels and would choose the Premium package,

but would seem foolhardy to me to order that package initially and not get any credit

for the promo?

To enjoy our promo, I highly recommend choosing the ULTIMATE package. And to get the most savings in the long run, you can switch to the PREMIER package on the 4th month. Claudine, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Historically you get the Premium packs free for the 1st 3 months even on Premier. It works as a credit for 3 months. The Premier package just has those packs in it as opposed to them listing as a separate charge.

Just review your order before submitting it and check the order confirmation before you are installed.

By the end of the 3 months if you don't want all packs (HBO, Starz/Encore, Showtime, Cinemax, Sports Pack), or the other channels you want are in a lower package tier, then you can reduce the package and only add on the packs you want. Once you are at the Ultimate package level with at least 4 of the packs is when Premier is the better value.