HR54-500 blind reset video resolution

Follow these exact remote presses to navigate your display settings blindly:

- Open Settings: Press MENU, press DOWN 7x, press SELECT.

- Open Display: Press SELECT on the default option.

- Select Resolution: Press DOWN 3x to highlight TV Resolutions, press SELECT, press RIGHT 1x, and press SELECT to turn on 480i.

If these steps don't bring up the resolution you need, please let us know so we can further assist you. Charles, DIRECTV Community Team

Thank you so much for the quick response.  I feel like I'm halfway there.  I pressed MENU and go down 7x, and then pressed SELECT.  I should be highlighting "DISPLAY" at this point so I press SELECT again.  However, when I arrow down 3x, I get the classic thud sound signifying I'm at the end of the menu tree.  I assume I'm not in the Display menu.  To be clear, this is what I'm pressing:

MENU, DOWN 7x, SELECT, SELECT, DOWN 3x...thud after two presses

Thanks for the update! To help you clear that menu hurdle and get your picture back quickly, please check your DM. We're messaging you right now to finish troubleshooting. Charles, DIRECTV Community Team

The HDMI port that died, is that the one on the HR54 or the TV itself?

The HR54 because of 'leased' status is covered by an ongoing warranty. You can replace for $19.95 delivery. Though recordings from it do not transfer. Either you get your video settings adjusted in the meantime, or watch the recordings on another TV (if you have any other boxes to use your Whole Home DVR).

The HDMI port on the HR54 is dead for sure.  I tested with another known good HDMI cable, different TV ports, and AV receivers.  I pretty much covered all the bases.  Aside from that, the unit functions fine.  I can access it from the DTV app via Roku and watch recordings from the unit.  I know what your thinking - what's the problem if I can still watch everything?  For whatever silly reason (probably something to do with licensing), not all programs can be streamed so they're locked out.  Anything I've recorded via local channels, I can't view unless I view it locally. 

The component adapter seems to still work because I can hear audio, just no picture.  My TV and AV receiver picks up a video signal but displays an error instructing me to downgrade the signal to at least 480i.  

I would use my Genie Mini's but I haven't used them for so long, their asking for a PIN to pair back up.  That's impossible.

I do have the protection plan to replace the unit for free and one is already on the way.  Before I kick this unit to the curb, it would be nice to view some of those "locked" programs.  I know it's silly, but one of which just so happens to be a local news program where my kids were on TV and I would like to preserve it somehow.