Genie and Whole-Home DVR Service

When I first signed up for DirecTV back in 2008, I had a DVR and a couple of H23-600 receivers. Around 2011, I had my original DVR replaced with a HR24-500 DVR (due to the hard-drive failing), which is what I've been using ever since.

 

On my recent bill, I have a new charge of $3 for Whole-Home DVR Service. After checking my previous statements, I noticed this feature was added just recently as September 2021. I called DirecTV/ATT, and the rep stated that it’s because I have a Genie. I argued with her that I didn't have a Genie connected to my DVR. She corrected me by saying “the DVR is the Genie.” I did not know this, so I asked, “then why can't I watch my recordings on the other TVs?” She replied, I would need the Genie Minis to do that.

 

When I signed up for DirecTV back in 2008, no one from DirecTV told me my DVR also functioned as a Genie. Did the Genie feature even exist back in 2008? After reading around on the internet, I found that the HR24 is a standalone DVR that works differently from today’s Genie system. Unlike the Genie where a central DVR sends signals to small client boxes, HR24 is self-contained. It only receives, records, and displays satellite signals. So, does this mean technically my DVR is NOT a Genie? I would think so, especially since I was never billed for WHDVR for over 12 years, until just recently when it mysteriously appeared on my bill.

 

I hope someone more knowledgeable with Genies and the Whole-Home DVR Service will chime in, because I feel like I'm being charged for something I don't use, and actually can't use, since I don't even have Mini Genies (which can be verified on my account), and supposedly my DVR doesn't even support.

 

 

NOTE:

Not sure where to post satellite questions since there are only 2 options under TV: U-Verse and HBO Max, which neither seem appropriate