Searching for an affordable, premium DVR service? The DIRECTV Genie review helps you do just that. It offers you 500 hours of HD storage and the capacity to record up to five shows simultaneously. Now that’s something that doesn’t come very easily and very often. Who doesn’t loves a free premium add-on right? Now there’s a catch in all this, the DIRECTV Genie DVR comes included with the DIRECTV packages, so the only way you can enjoy all the features of the Genie DVR is by getting DIRECTV packages. There has been a lot of speculation about which is the best DVR service, that’s why we have done this thorough DIRECTV Genie Review.
DIRECTV Genie vs. Competition
| Provider | DVR Models | Simultaneous Recordings | Storage Limit | HD Storage | Cost |
| DIRECTV | Genie | 5 | 1 TB | 200 Hrs. | Included in service |
| DISH | Hopper 3 | 16 | 2 TB | 500 Hrs. | $10.00/mo |
| Cox | Record 6 | 6 | 2 TB | 250 Hrs. | $19.00/mo |
| RCN | TiVo 6 | 6 | 1 TB | 150 Hrs. | $6.00/mo |
| Xfinity | X1 | 6 | 500 GB | 100 Hrs. | $5.00/mo |
What is DIRECTV’s Genie DVR?
The Genie is a whole-home HD-DVR from DIRECTV. In 2018, the DIRECTV Genie was ranked as one of the top 5 DVRs in the industry because every DIRECTV plan comes with an included Genie DVR at no additional cost. At first, glance, if it looks like the Genie isn’t as great as the other services then we suggest you keep on reading. In this DIRECTV Genie Review, we will break down each and every part of the whole-home DVR System, including the details of everything.
DIRECTV Genie Equipment
The DIRECTV Genie can support up to 8 rooms with the same unit, all thanks to its high-def receiver that connects to mini-clients. Do keep in mind that while you can connect up to 8 devices with your DVR, it can only provide a signal to 4 devices at the same time.
The DIRECTV Genie comes with two models, the HR44 & HR54. The only major difference is how they power your satellite dish. The HR44 has an external SWiM power inserter, while the power inserter in the HR54 is built in. The SWiM inserter powers your satellite dish with such efficiency that the Genie has earned Energy STAR Certification. Here are some of the DIRECTV Genie equipment specs.
1. Genie Primary Features
- Record up to 5 shows at once
- Store up to 200 hours of programming in 1080P
- Watch up to 8 channels on one screen
- Watch live and recorded programming on up to 8 TVs via DirecTV’s Genie Minis.
2. Genie Ports
- Satellite IN
- Infrared receiver
- Ethernet In
- Component video out
- Composite video out
- S-video out
- Digital coax out
- Serial AT Attachment in
- HDMI out
- USB in
- RJ11/phone out
- AC Power in
When it comes to storage, the DIRECTV DVR falls behind the competition. Both the HR44 & HR54 have only 1 TB storage which will allow users to record up to 200 hours of HD programming. You may end up getting irritated a bit by having to delete your old recordings frequently.
In comparison, DIRECTV’s primary competitor, DISH offers the Hopper 3 DVR with 2 TB storage. The comparison between DIRECTV Genie vs Dish Hopper will change in the favor of DIRECTV as there have been talks of a better DVR model from DIRECTV named the Genie 2, if it launches soon, it will surely give the Hopper 3 tough competition.
DIRECTV Genie Remote
The DIRECTV Genie remote is streamlined, with most of the navigation in the center. There is a lot of helpful features that will make your watching experience easier.
- Turn TV and DVR on and of together.
- Press the R button to automatically record the shows.
- Press the R button twice to record the entire series.
- Replay button skips 6 seconds
- Advance button fast-forwards 30 seconds.
The DIRECTV Genie remote comes with both infrared and radio frequency capabilities. This means you don’t have to worry about if your remote is in the line of sight to your DVR to turn it on or change the channel.
DIRECTV Genie DVR offers two versions of the remote. The basic one and the backlift one and they provide them based on availability. If you need the backlift version and DIRECTV doesn’t have one in your area then you can get one for yourself on Amazon for about $30.00.
DIRECTV Genie User Experience
There are tons of factors regarding the DIRECTV genie vs Genie Mini that you should consider. But the main thing that matters is the DIRECTV Genie DVR user experience. DIRECTV’s DVR is more than just hardware, you might decide you can live with its average simultaneous recordings and storage space. If you are impressed by features like NFL Sunday Ticket, 4K Ultra HD Content, and a smooth On-the-go experience then the DIRECTV Genie Review will help you understand whether or not you need the DIRECTV Genie DVR.
1. NFL Sunday Ticket
DIRECTV packages from CHOICE on up come with a season of NFL Sunday Ticket at zero additional cost. This gives you access to out of the market NFL games each Sunday. With the DIRECTV Genie, you can create a “Mix Channel” to watch up to eight live sports programs all at once. That’s an incredible deal for all the sports fans, better than trying to fit eight TVs in your living room for sure.
2. 4K Ultra HD Content
If you love cutting edge technology, know that DIRECTV offers select shows, sports, and on-demand movies in 4K Ultra HD. This is the highest visual quality available in the market right now, that’s an incredible quality standard that you can experience it if you have a 4K capable TV and the Genie DVR Model HR54 or higher.
DIRECTV is the clear winner when it comes to 4K TV recording and viewing because it offers 4K content all day long on channel 104. DISH and Xfinity are also 4K compatible, but neither of them has a 4K channel.
Final Take: DIRECTV Genie Review
DIRECTV Genie equipment specs are one of the top 5 available in the market. DIRECTV Genie remote is great that elevates the user experience. DIRECTV’s DVR gets the job done without any extra charges. While it can record only five channels at once and up to 200 hours of HD Content, it’s great for 4K Ultra HD and good enough for on the go watching.