Autoplay feature for DVR recorded episodes.

Since you have a channel rocker, that would be the RC7X series remote (Genie or "peanut" style). That has been the current remote since the 2nd generation Genie (HR44) which came out about a decade ago and goes with an models after. It had to replace the dated universal remote.

The Genie-2 (HS17) however is meant as one brain to rule all your TVs. It is a bit restrictive on the options. Personally I prefer a regular Genie with the earlier HDDVRs as gives more capability and reliability, while also allowing more flexible options on each TV. I hope since AT&T sold of a share to the new co-owner, that eventually will shall see more customer focused equipment again in the future. We shall see.

My Gemini will play the next recorded episode if I don't stop it.

The part number presented is the Genie Server, right?

The brains to play the next episode resides in the client.

So what is the client? Perhaps a Genie Mini?

Greg

The HS17 is the Genie-2 which yes is the DVR/Headless Server. I highly suspect they are using regular Mini Genie Clients and not the Gemini, but we'll see once the OP confirms model number(s).

The Gemini started out as a streaming box so it may still have the software for auto play.  Regular minis are slaves of the Genie so the Genie is where auto play comes from.

Thank you, @Juniper you're right. The autoplay feature is available on our new Gemini box, @KathleenP. However, there are some restrictions with the options on Genie 2 (HS17). Let's meet on DM to discuss this further. Lynie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

The model number is HS17-500. Support chat told me autoplay is not available on this unit. I used my original DVR unit for 12 years, because it just kept working and no upgrade was ever offered. It had to finally fail for that to happen. Now I feel as if I've been downgraded, since I lost a feature that I value a lot. And no matter when the remote was first issued. I still hate it.

Your TV cannot be connected directly to the HS17-500. It has no video output.

Can you get the part number of what your TV is connected to? Follow the HDMI cable.

Greg

So, I'm currently being brushed off on the PM with the specialist. No solutions offered. What a way to do business.

Umm... what is the box your TV is actually connected to?

The model number you give is the server, and your TV cannot be connected to it.

Follow the HDMI cable from your TV to the little box, that is most likely a Genie Mini or a Gemini...

I have all 3 in my house... my Gemini does autoplay the next episode, although it seems that it will pull one from streaming if it is not recorded..

I have not tested my Genie Mini to see if it autoplays, will check it tonight if I remember.

This forum has more technical knowledge than the official help people have, that is why I try to learn from the forum, no offense to DTV.

Greg

Thank you @gregeusa . They are Genie Minis. They told me autoplay is not available on these. So I'm not happy.

Confused that no upgrade was ever offered. If you called support and you had a regular HDDVR (HR24 or earlier) or any HD non-DVRs, then a regular Genie would normally be suggested. That is a more traditional HDDVR that goes on a TV, and though of course supports Mini Genie Clients, unlike the Genie-2 (HS17) doesn't require them.

Sounds like the agent who did offer an upgrade just went with the absolute newest instead of double checking if it would be best for your personally. Always hate it when that happens.

@Juniper  Thanks. I didn't call support till the original unit failed and they just came and installed this system, without offering any options at all.

They told me I would have to get a streaming only unit to have this feature. I work in computer software development and just find it so strange that they just couldn't just push out a patch to add this to these units. It's just adding an option to tell it to autoplay the next recorded episode. That's not that complicated. Their outdated units could do it, so they're going backwards.

If you never called support until the unit failed, then they never had the opportunity to offer an upgrade. They don't call you out of the blue.

The Genie-2 has now used your upgrade which includes the 24 month service agreement, since that is not a warranty replacement being a different line of equipment (not like for like). Mentioning in case as your "just came and installed" sounds a bit like you weren't fully informed.

Don't know what limitations or delays might be going on regarding software updates, other than AT&T sold of part of the TV services to a new co-owner who is managing those services now. Mini Genie Clients have always been limited compared to actual receivers/HDDVRs. And AT&T likes all-in-one options that are simple for the company when not flexible for the customer. That is why I personally avoid a Client setup.

That is not true, all you need is a C71KW Gemini mini client on that one TV if that is all you need or on all the TVs.  You should try asking for a change order to get one.