DirecTV C61K add to HR54 for 4K Viewing

You need to run coax to the 4K TV if there isn't any there already.

You would have to call DirecTV to order a 4K upgrade.

If you have only one TV, then it could be better to do a upgrade to 4K with the Genie-2 (HS17). This is because the C61K still counts as an additional TV so adds $7 to the monthly bill. But the HS17 is a Headless Server tower that doesn't go on a TV itself so doesn't count towards the TV fees. If you go that route, make sure you are caught up on your recordings as those will not be transferred from your HR54.

However, if you have others what are the models of every box you have?

Summary of requirements:

HR54 Genie on non 4K tv (Can connect to a 4K tv, but will not provide the 4K feed to it).

C61K Mini Genie Client (wired only at this time) on 4K tv.

Remember Client has no tuner of its own, uses 1 from the Genie.

4K tv must support HDCP 2.2, HDMI 2.0, and 60 Frames Per Second (FPS)

DirecTV Installation, 4K tv must be there

Package Select or above as of 12/15/2016 (used to be only Ultimate or Premier). So only the Family package will not get 4K service at all. (Packages expired/grandfathered before that will not get the 4K channels)

Only a few channels in 4K (plus some PPVs)

I currently only have the 1 TV and no recordings I am worried about saving 

With a 1 or 2 TV setup, for many the Genie-2 (HS17) is the way to go. More than that and you really want dedicated HDDVRs which the regular Genie line (HR54 is the 3rd generation) works with but the Genie-2 forbids.

If you are comfortably caught up on recordings then call DirecTV and see if you are eligible for the free upgrade. Though monthly cost is unaffected, as you have full receiver services and are not changing number of TVs, it does come with a 24 month service agreement.

I spoke to DirecTV and I was told the Gemini is the latest 4K box I can get. It adds to my HR54.

Then you will be paying $14 per month in TV fees instead of $7.00 with the HS17 Genie2 and a Gemini.  The HR54 doesn't need to be connect to the TV.

My order shows no increase in fees. I was offered the free upgrade.

By the way, I referenced both the HS17 and the C61K and was told that this Gemini is the most recent uograde to receive 4K

Yes, the C71WK Gemini client is the newest.

The Gemini is the newest. The concern being counting as a 2nd TV for monthly charges. Have heard there is some way to integrate with the HR54 and have it still count as same number of TVs but not yet very familiar with that setup.

I think they turn the HR54 in to a headless server (turn off video/audio)

@shannon02 Correct, they call it colocation. The Gemini can be connected directly to Ethernet port on the HR54 so no video bridge or BB Deca is required. The HR54 will not output any video, only a message saying it is configured to work with the Gemini.

How can you use the HR54 Ethernet port if it is being used to connect it to the internet?

If "colocation" requires the Ethernet port, then it is expected the internet connection must be by WiFi instead. Would make sense as the HR54 was not originally designed for this setup, so was a software modification after the fact to compensate for the 4K requirements changing plus the later release of the Gemini.

Sacrificing wired On Demand to have the freedom of dedicated receivers/HDDVRs on the other TVs is an interesting tradeoff for this 4K setup.

Colocation does not have to use the Ethernet port, it is just the easiest way to have a customer install it since it eliminates the need for a video bridge or BB Deca on the Gemini. The HR54 can still be connected to the Internet with a BB Deca if desired to maintain a wired connection.