Forum Discussion

2oldman's avatar
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2017

DTV problem I can't solve

On my house: 5 lnb, Slimline dish, HD receiver HR24-500

I cannot watch TV because of "Signal loss on Satellite in 2". The receiver will reboot and gather all its guide data as if it's receiving a good signal, but still I cannot watch TV .

The screen "Test Signal Strength" shows NO signal on either tuner, but the "Signal Strength" screen shows 90+ readings for all xponders on the 101 and good readings on 99, 103..etc on Sat 1. Nothing on 2. Why I am getting good xponder readings but absolutely nothing on the Test Signal Strength screen is puzzling.

Yesterday I was able to get it working by unplugging power from the receiver and restarting, but not today. I've checked all my wiring - not with a meter or anything - but nothing's been moved or disturbed.

Is my receiver acting goofy for having no signal in 2, or it just acting goofy and getting ready to fail?

16 Replies

  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Sep 03, 2017
    So you need an HR54 to get 4K TV but you don't need a 4K TV to get an HR54. As I said, I have one which DTV sent as a replacement when my HR34 died.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 02, 2017
    From DTV:

    I have a 4K TV but it’s not a DIRECTV 4K Ready TV. Can I still enjoy DIRECTV 4K Ultra HD?

    Yes, but ONLY if your compatible 4K TV is connected to a 4K Genie Mini (Model C61K or later). Please note you will also need a Genie HD DVR (model HR54 or later), the DIRECTV® SELECT Package or higher and 4K account authorization.
    Your 4K equipment must be professionally installed by a DIRECTV technician. Please call ((855) 834-4388 to schedule an installation appointment. Make sure your Internet is working before the technician arrives.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2017
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Bill I'm not so sure about an HR54 upgrade. What I think I know.

    DTV will not install the HR54 unless you have a 4K TV. The HR54 HDMI 1.4 is not capable of displaying 4K. You have to have the HR54 and C61K mini which has HDMI 2.2. Connect the 4K TV to the C61K mini and another TV to the HR54.

    So how many RVs have a 4K TV? Few I suspect. But there are rumors of a HR54 replacement that will connect to a 4K TV and it might also have AT&T internet capability for 4K.

    Otherwise apparently the HR54 is much the same as the HR44. In other words no increased capability except for 4K TV which requires the C61K mini.

    Apparently the HR54 does not have the external brick so I wonder if it runs hotter. One of the benefits of an external brick is cooler electronics.


    I don't know what you don't know either, but I am sitting in my RV with a Trav'ler and an HR54. I have never heard of any of the special requirements you mention.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 02, 2017
    In my rig the HR44 is mounted vertically in a closed cabinet. Many RVs have shallow cabinets and a vertical mount is ideal. With it's RF remote line of sight is not a factor and it can even be in another room. Plus the external brick keeps some heat out of my cabinet. My cabinet is small and hence ventilation is required.

    2oldman: For one month I had both the HR24 and HR44 connected (SWM splitter required) and it worked great - 7 channel recording and the HR24 could access the HR44 recordings. This was really a hedge on my part to be sure the HR44 would be OK in the RV.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 02, 2017
    Bill I'm not so sure about an HR54 upgrade. What I think I know.

    DTV will not install the HR54 unless you have a 4K TV. The HR54 HDMI 1.4 is not capable of displaying 4K. You have to have the HR54 and C61K mini which has HDMI 2.2. Connect the 4K TV to the C61K mini and another TV to the HR54.

    So how many RVs have a 4K TV? Few I suspect. But there are rumors of a HR54 replacement that will connect to a 4K TV and it might also have AT&T internet capability for 4K.

    Otherwise apparently the HR54 is much the same as the HR44. In other words no increased capability except for 4K TV which requires the C61K mini.

    Apparently the HR54 does not have the external brick so I wonder if it runs hotter. One of the benefits of an external brick is cooler electronics.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2017
    Sounds good CA. The remote response is annoyingly slow on this receiver.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Sep 02, 2017
    Consider upgrading to the HR44 in your new home. SWM, RF remote and 5 channel recording and faster remote response than the HR24 make it a winner for us. We don't have any genie clients but that is always a option. We move ours between home and RV along with all of the recorded shows which means a 1 hour show takes about 30 minutes.

    The HR24 can also be used on SWM and configured for RF remote which you buy so it's flexible.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2017
    Yes, on my house. We're in the process of putting it on the market and I'll only be here another week. I'll carry it to my new home in NV and see what's up there.

    I have SWM in the RV and that's been working wonderfully, so I'll get that done at my new digs.

    Thanks.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2017
    So, unless I misunderstand what you are posting here, this is happening at home at a fixed S&B location. If that's correct, a call to DTV is in order! It's not RV related in any way and DTV has excellent home installers who can help you work out your issues.

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