The Ultimate Satellite Roadmap: 2011 Glossy UI, Red Button Apps, and 5K Resolution Support.

I would prefer dedicated boxes instead of a restrictive Client-only setup. The prior owner AT&T pushed heavily into the Genie-2 (HS17) so the new owner has their work cut out for them.

I don't see 5K anytime soon as that requires dedicated broadcast from the networks. Right now even 4K isn't mainstream. This is future wishing and may require newer satellites to the fleet. Unfortunately, the public is more pushed into streaming and expecting the future potential of streaming instead of the state it is now with the current internet infrastructure.

When they launched their paid streaming service YouTube became a competitor to DirecTV. That is when the app was removed from the earlier boxes. That is not expected to return as they don't want to work together.

(Also hope you got your confusing home setup of 6 dishes figured out)

You hit the nail on the head regarding the Genie-2 (HS17). AT&T pushing that restrictive Client-only architecture completely alienated power users who loved the independence of standalone HD DVRs like the HR24. The new ownership definitely has their work cut out for them to fix that hardware bottleneck.Regarding the apps, you make a great historical point about the YouTube streaming wars. However, even if corporate partnerships prevent native YouTube or Flickr apps from returning, the core request stands: we need lightweight, built-in interactive widgets (like the classic Red Button / DIRECTV Access setup) that load locally on the box, rather than forcing us into heavy, cloud-based streaming menus that cause guide lag.As for 5K, you're right that it's future wishing since networks are slow to adopt 4K. But that's exactly the point—streaming providers are choking on compression and local internet infrastructure limitations. Satellite has a unique window to market uncompressed, premium picture quality to home theater enthusiasts as a differentiator, even if it's just a targeted premium tier.(And yes, the multi-dish setup is a beast, but it’s exactly why optimizing the hardware software matters so much!)What are your thoughts on them at least giving us a legacy 2011 high-contrast visual theme toggle in the settings? Would that help alleviate some of the guide lag you’re seeing on your setup?

 A massive part of reclaiming that premium hardware identity starts with the branding. DIRECTV needs to officially ditch the flat, generic, corporate streaming logo and bring back the 3D Glossy Cyclone.

A cyclone represents power coming straight out of the sky. It is a badge of honor for physical satellite technology. The flat logo makes the service look like a cheap app you download on a phone, while the 2011 glossy emblem looks like high-end equipment. If new ownership wants to re-energize the legacy subscriber base and celebrate reliability, putting the Cyclone back on the guide boot-screens and hardware is the easiest way to do it.