DirecTV Genie?

[bigdaddogg1]

I recently had a free upgrade to my home DirecTV system to the Genie. I didn't realize it at the time, but the receiver in one of my bedrooms that I was using in the RV was replaced with a Genie remote box that operates off the main unit. So now I'm going to have to figure out another route to get satellite TV when I'm on the road.

I figure that this is not the first time this problem has come up, so I'm going to ask you folks what would be the best solution. Can I disconnect the main Genie unit at the house and use it in the RV? Anything different about the setup? I only use an SD antenna in the RV...is this a problem with the Genie?

DirecTV used to have a program for use in an RV that was separately paid for only during the time that you were traveling. Does anybody know if they still have this option, and would I have to purchase a different receiver for it to work?

Thanks in advance for your replies and advice!

[docj]

Bill.Satellite wrote:

docj wrote:
There is no in-motion dish that will work with the Genie or any other DirecTV HD receiver.

That's either incorrect or misleading. The in-motion antennas will work with a Genie (if you add a SWM8 kit) and every other DirecTV HD receiver. You can't receive the HD programming, but the receiver itself will work just fine.

I stand corrected, Bill. I wasn't considering the concept that someone might want to get a Genie in order to use it to watch purely SD programming.

[RVUSA]

I wouldnt mind giving her a little spanking. :B

[Bill_Satellite]

docj wrote:
There is no in-motion dish that will work with the Genie or any other DirecTV HD receiver.

That's either incorrect or misleading. The in-motion antennas will work with a Genie (if you add a SWM8 kit) and every other DirecTV HD receiver. You can't receive the HD programming, but the receiver itself will work just fine.

[docj]

That's the correct dish to get; you can get it for a few dollars less with free shipping if you shop around a bit. As for installation, you will have to negotiate that with whoever you plan to have install it. There is no in-motion dish that will work with the Genie or any other DirecTV HD receiver.

[bukzin]

docj wrote:

bukzin wrote:


The newer Genie DVR receivers (HR 34 and HR 44) require the SWM dish/wiring setup.
The version for RV's is expensive and some shops don't install them.

I'm not sure if you're saying that the SWM antenna installation for an RV is expensive or if you're trying to say that the Genie version for an RV is expensive.

In either case, your answer is misleading. The Winegard Trav'ler SWM replaced the Trav'ler SK-3005 and I don't think the price is all that much more. The older SK-3005 can be converted to SWM with the addition of an SWM8 switch and a PI-29 power inserter; you can buy both on Amazon for less than $75 total.

The current version of the Genie is the HR44 and DirecTV will provide it for free to current HD DVR customers who wish to upgrade and don't have contractual obligations. We got the HR44 and the SWM conversion of our Trav'ler for no money out of pocket.

Sounds like I got incomplete info regarding the hardware needed
to add a HDDVR to my coach.

Was told I needed the SWM dish below to make the Genie receiver
work.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/trav-ler-directv-swm-slimline-automatic-multi-satellite-tv-antenna/68944#sthash.QQSnrMl2.dpbs

I want to get the HR44 and a client added to my coach.
Already have in at home.

What kind of costs might I expect (install and hardware) should
I plan on spending? (don't need 'in motion' service)

[docj]

bukzin wrote:


The newer Genie DVR receivers (HR 34 and HR 44) require the SWM dish/wiring setup.
The version for RV's is expensive and some shops don't install them.

I'm not sure if you're saying that the SWM antenna installation for an RV is expensive or if you're trying to say that the Genie version for an RV is expensive.

In either case, your answer is misleading. The Winegard Trav'ler SWM replaced the Trav'ler SK-3005 and I don't think the price is all that much more. The older SK-3005 can be converted to SWM with the addition of an SWM8 switch and a PI-29 power inserter; you can buy both on Amazon for less than $75 total.

The current version of the Genie is the HR44 and DirecTV will provide it for free to current HD DVR customers who wish to upgrade and don't have contractual obligations. We got the HR44 and the SWM conversion of our Trav'ler for no money out of pocket.

[bukzin]

You can also buy equipment from outside providers.
Try Weaknees or Solid Signal.


The newer Genie DVR receivers (HR 34 and HR 44) require the SWM dish/wiring setup.
The version for RV's is expensive and some shops don't install them.

The box required for a second TV location is called a client or mini.
First one was a C31, now its a C41. The latest has just been released; its
the C41W, it is wireless which (I assume) means no coax cable required. Think it still
needs 120volts to power it. Not fully wireless but handy in coaches that did not come
pre-wired with Cat 5 or RG6 coax back to the bedroom.

[bigdaddogg1]

Thanks everybody for all the good help and advice. I called DirecTV today and ordered the D12 receiver as some of you advised. DirecTV sold me one for $20 since I had the maintenance plan. 🙂

We added the receiver to my current account as a "seasonal" receiver. When I head out in the RV, I call them and they activate the receiver for $6 a month and deactivate the Genie at home. I get my normal TV package then, without equipment costs at the sticks and bricks. This normally incurs a one year contract, but since it's within my current 2 year contract it doesn't apply.

This seems to be the best and easiest solution for me. Thanks again everybody for all the great advice and help you have given me!!

[Bill_Satellite]

I use a Genie plus an H25. I don't really "need" the H25 as a client/mini-genie would have worked, but I have the H25 in case my Genie does die unexpectedly. With the H25 I could at least have a single tuner receiver while the Genie was being replaced instead of having no satellite TV service at all (a completely unacceptable scenario!)

[mikestock]

This may help. When I got the Genie three weeks ago I got two of the small receivers that work only off the Genie. I had a problem due to the delay between the Genie tv and the adjacent kitchen tv because there was a couple of second delay at the little, Genie slave, receiver. Normally, this wouldn't bother most people but my wife is constantly back and forth during the day and the same program is usually on both boxes at the same time.

I asked them to give me back a regular receiver that would stay with the Genie, timing wise. They actually gave me an HD DVR in place of the little box. The delay problem was solved.

I'm sure they will replace the small receiver with an old type if you asked. They may even give you an extra HD DVR.

[Big_Katuna]

docj wrote:

Big Katuna wrote:
The installer would have left the old box(es). Mine did. I just converted the house to SWM but did not want Genie. For one thing, if your Genie box dies; no service anywhere.

I have no idea where you got this idea. I pay DirecTV a monthly maintenance fee and they come right out and replace my equipment no matter what happens. If you don't pay the monthly maintenance you may have to pay for a service call, but either way you can get service on any of DTV's equipment. You may not have wanted to get a Genie, but don't make up reasons for others not to get one. It's the best DirecTV DVR ever!

I think you misunderstood what I was saying. If your Genie Main box fails, none of your other boxes will work. I have the maintenance agreement too. Yes, they will come out to your house and fix it. We camp out in our RV about 100 nights per year, weeks at a time. If your box dies in Georgia and you are moving every few days, good luck getting a tech to come out to bring you a new box. With stand alone boxes, I take 2-3 and if one dies ( I have had several die in the last ten years), I use another one.

[Bill_Satellite]

bigdaddogg1 wrote:
I recently had a free upgrade to my home DirecTV system to the Genie. I didn't realize it at the time, but the receiver in one of my bedrooms that I was using in the RV was replaced with a Genie remote box that operates off the main unit. So now I'm going to have to figure out another route to get satellite TV when I'm on the road.

I figure that this is not the first time this problem has come up, so I'm going to ask you folks what would be the best solution. Can I disconnect the main Genie unit at the house and use it in the RV? Anything different about the setup? I only use an SD antenna in the RV...is this a problem with the Genie?

DirecTV used to have a program for use in an RV that was separately paid for only during the time that you were traveling. Does anybody know if they still have this option, and would I have to purchase a different receiver for it to work?

Thanks in advance for your replies and advice!

I would like to focus on your actual situation and you actual questions. Since no one can know what you have now or what you had before many speculations are taking place. Here's what we do know:

You cannot use the mini-genie boxes (C31/41) by themselves but they can be used on a second TV in the coach if you also install the Genie (HR34/44).

Your current SD antenna will not work with the Genie but it can be converted to work with the Genie by adding a SWM8 switch and power inserter. You will still only receive the DirecTV SD programming via the 101 satellite but otherwise the Genie will work just fine. You can find the required parts from many internet sources for around $100. Here is the Winegard guide to updating older satellite TV antennas to SWM. SWM setup
DirecTV does not have a "usable" version of the temp. service that existed previously. However, just moving your Genie to your RV with the new hardware will work just fine. Your only other option would be to spend a few bucks on a D12 receiver (less than $100), add this to your current DirecTV account and use this in the RV. You might even find a TV in your home that you only use occasionally where you could use the box when not in your RV.

[robsouth]

We just had the same upgrade that you did. I told him I wanted to keep one of the old ones to use in the camper.The installer left all the old boxes and told me which one to keep. DTV sent an envelope to return just the cards in the old boxes except the one I kept. The installer said he had deactivated all the old cards so I would not be charged for them and that I could go online anytime to reactivate the old card to use in the camper and then go online and deactivate it until next time. I have done this several times and it works well. If you did not keep an old card, you can get a box a bunch of places, call DTV and they will send you a card for it for a one time activation fee ($20.00 I think) then you are set to go.

[docj]

old guy wrote:
the main geneie uses a different dish than the old receiver, they did put up a different dish didn't they.

If you already had HD there is absolutely no reason why your dish would have to be replaced in order to convert your home to SWM. All the installer has to do is install an SWM8 switch and a PI29 power inserter. Most DTV receivers and DVRs can use either SWM or the older multi-switch approach. The newest DVRs, including the Genie, only work with a SWM system.