DirecTv Genie Extra Charges

az99 wrote:
I was looking at upgrading from an HR24 to the Genie. What are the real extra charges for it? The web site is purposely vague on extra fees but I did see there is a $25 extra monthly charge for it. So is it $25 plus $6 for each extra client? ie $43 for Genie and 3 clients?

I replaced an HR23 dvr and an H21 rcvr with an HR44 Genie and a C41 mini client and my bill increased $3 a month for the required whole home service.

I drive the bedroom tv with the component cables and bought a 35' HDMI for the outside tv and use a RFI remote to change channels at the sat box in the bedroom.

I have an HDMI splitter off one client feeding two TV sets in different rooms. You have to watch the same thing on each set (unless you go off-DirecTV and watch Netflix, for example) but you don't have to pay for the extra client rental. HDMI splitters are available in many different configurations and quickly pay for themselves...

We're full-timers and switched to a Genie two months ago and love it. The ability to record up to five shows without having to worry about overlaps is great. The basic Genie charge is $3/mo more than what we were already paying for HD DVR service. Don't confuse the cost of upgrading to HD DVR with the price of the Genie itself. IMHO the $3/mo is trivial when compared with the convenience.

I opted to skip the Genie. I renegotiated for two new SWM DVRs and one non DVR SWM HD box. Free with two year commitment. I bought an extra SL3 LNB, a 4-way splitter and PI from the tech for $30 to convert my RV.
I wanted the exact setup in house and RV so I don't have to ever change sat box configurations.

FYI the HD and DVR fee is per account.

az99 wrote:
Here is a C&P from their Genie website and the reason I asked.
*Limit three remote viewings per Genie HD DVR (model HR44) at a time. Remote viewing requires a model C31Client, H25 HD Receiver(s) or RVU-enabled TV/device in each additional room, a SWiM network and Advanced Receiver Service ($25/mo.)

Can I keep my other HR24 that is in another room or do I have to replace that also with a client?

Why does the Genie need an ethernet connection? What does it do if no internet like while camping?

Thanx

Yes, you can keep the HR24 and it just becomes one of the $6/month extra receivers. With the whole house option that also give you additional tuners and storage space and you will be able to watch any programing on either DVR on any TV. As mentioned above, it's a good idea to have at least one non-client receiver in addition to the Genie in case your Genie should fail. I have the Genie and an H25 in my coach.

One added thought. If you get a Genie and all new clients be aware that if the main Genie goes out you have no TV to any other rooms. We kept all our regular HD receivers. With all clients you have no receiver to "borrow" when you make short trips and If you take the Genie you have to have SWM in your trailer.

Got the Genie and the price went above what I was quoted. 15 year customer and the new 2 year contract goes to the new policies. I had five receivers, two which were SD which there was no monthly charge for. They had to replace 'em with updated receivers that they charged me for. Sent one back to lower my bill. Only 4 receivers now and still paying more. I had life time free HD service($10 a month. That went out the window also. Now I have to call CUSTOMER RETENTION every few months to have them take the HD charge off. Told me full house DVR was free. They charge me for it because their customer service dept was wrong. Wish I never heard of Genie.

Here is a C&P from their Genie website and the reason I asked.
*Limit three remote viewings per Genie HD DVR (model HR44) at a time. Remote viewing requires a model C31Client, H25 HD Receiver(s) or RVU-enabled TV/device in each additional room, a SWiM network and Advanced Receiver Service ($25/mo.)

Can I keep my other HR24 that is in another room or do I have to replace that also with a client?

Why does the Genie need an ethernet connection? What does it do if no internet like while camping?

Thanx

There is not a $25/month fee. The Genie incurs the same DVR fee you have with your HR24. Assuming you activate the whole-house option (Genie access on all TV's) there is an additional $3/month fee plus the additional receiver fee for each TV.

Here's my bill.

11/05 12/04 CHOICE - no locals Monthly 61.99
11/05 12/04 Advanced Receiver-HD Monthly 10.00
11/05 12/04 Advanced Receiver-DVR Monthly 10.00
11/05 12/04 DIRECTV Whole-Home DVR Service Monthly 3.00
11/05 12/04 Network Package Monthly (DNS) 20.00
11/06 Additional TV 6.00