DIRECTV is among the primary satellite television providers with many channels, ranging between several hundred, depending on the packages. Another question that customers of DIRECTV often inquire about is - whether is it possible to view several channels simultaneously. The answer is yes, Genie HD DVR is a multi-channel viewing box that is available from DIRECTV.
Multi-View on DIRECTV can be described as a development in cable television services where multiple channels are provided as a single view.
The next is Multi-View, also referred to as DirecTV Mix Channels, and it is an option that enables the viewer to watch four stations at once. Multi-View is a feature that lets you watch several games, shows, or news broadcasts simultaneously; you don’t have to switch screens.
The four channels will be arranged in a rectangular format where each channel occupies the corner of the rectangle. You can choose various settings of Multi-View: the big channel combined with three narrow ones or four equally sized quadrants.
Requirements for Multi-View
To use the Multi-View feature and watch multiple DIRECTV channels at once, you need:
- An HD DVR receiver-In particular a Genie HD DVR model. Unfortunately, Multi-View cannot be used on older DIRECTV boxes that are not compatible with this feature.
- A High Definition television – This means that your TV must enable you to access HIGH DEFINITION programming from DIRECTV. You also require an HDMI cable between your Genie box and the TV set to get the best sound and picture quality.
- The latest firmware – You should also check whether your Genie receiver has the most up-to-date firmware to support Multi-View options.
If these criteria are met, you will find a Mix Channels option on your Genie remote every time you press the Guide button. Clicking on this will enable you to open the Multi-View menu.
Can I Watch More Than One Channel?
The Multi-View feature allows for the viewing of up to four DIRECTV programs in one television set when the Genie HD DVR is in use. The maximum number of channels depends on your Genie model:
- Genie Mini – up to two channels
- The Genie HD is a tuner DVR system that is capable of recording up to 4 channels.
- Genie HR44 – High Definition Tuner – up to 4 channels
So, if you are a user of Genie HR44 or standard Genie HD, you will be able to watch four DirecTV channels simultaneously. The sole exception here is the Genie Mini, which, because of the hardware, only allows Multi-View mode with a maximum of two channels.
Using the Multi-View Feature
If you have an appropriate Genie HD DVR connected to your television set, then, Multi-View is easy to use. Just follow these steps whenever you want to access the feature:
- Make sure your Genie receiver is plugged into your TV via HDMI and connected properly. Also, ensure that the box is on and the television is also on.
- Sit comfortably in front of the television that is connected to DirecTV then pick your remote control and look for the Guide button.
- At the bottom of the on-screen guide highlight a Mix Channels option and click it.
- As a result, there will be a mixed-channel menu. Choose the channels which you wish to view at the same time.
- If you have left the multi-view configuration set to dynamic, then select your preferred multi-view configuration from the available options. These options are one big channel with two small ones and one big channel with three small ones or four equal-sized quadrants.
- Press Enter or Select and enjoy your favorite shows on multiple channels!
Multi-View is also quite versatile: you can switch the channels using the DirecTV remote or Genie remote app. The audio will go to the first identified large channel which you may have set or the top left channel. However, the option of changing it can be done easily by using the remote only.
The Benefits of Multi-View
The Multi-View feature brings several benefits to your DIRECTV experience:
Discussion on the Side-Line: Fans can watch several games at a time without having to switch between channels. See four football games in one during NFL Sunday for the ultimate feast!
News Tracking – Monitor as many emerging news stories across various platforms as possible to get the most coverage.
Skimming – This is similar to flipping through a lot of channels or watching different programs at the same time.
End-to-End – Use a wide channel with two thin parallel ones for an end-to-end effect.
Channels: Custom Mixes – A feature that allows the creation of channel mixes according to a selected genre or type of interest to watch.
Fewer Arguments – Still in conflict, there should be fewer arguments with the family on which show or which game to watch. In this mode, he can view multiple of his favorite items at the same time.
With these perks, Multi-View brings a lot of value for DIRECTV subscribers by enabling them to view many channels at once. Sports enthusiasts, news lovers, and those who often browse through channels in search of something to watch are likely to heave a sigh of relief.
Combining the Multi-Room Viewing with the Multi-View
When using the main Genie DVR, you can create Mix Channels and if you have Genie Minis in other rooms of the house, Multi-View features are also available. Not only, for example, can you observe the four channels in the living room but your children can watch two channels in their bedroom at the same time.
To enable Multi-View on a Genie Mini:
- Make sure the Genie Mini client is receiving its programs wirelessly or through coax from your primary Genie server.
- On the Mini box, open the Guide and go to Mix Channels to display the shows that can be watched.
- Choose 1 or 2 channels to watch simultaneously on the split-screen option.
With this setup, all rooms that are enabled for Multi-Room service can then use the Mix Channels feature in the particular room. Therefore, the potential is immense for determining how many DIRECTV channels you can view simultaneously across your home when employing Genie receivers
What About Picture-in-Picture Mode?
However, apart from Multi-View via DirecTV Mix Channels some smart TVs have native picture-in-picture options as well. This allows you to use the ‘picture in picture’ which enables you to watch another video in a small window, on top of the main view of DIRECTV.
However, this feature does not apply to the Genie DVR but is instead based on the actual television model and setting. Since almost all smart TVs have an HDMI port, ensure your HDMI smart TV has a portrait option or a picture-in-picture feature to try out how to display two videos on one screen.
However, for the simplest way to get a multi-channel solution, just take advantage of the built-in Mix Channels option of Genie on DIRECTV. Therefore, you should opt for that rather than using television software PIP to get the best out of it.
Now, let’s see how streaming compares:
As for streaming television platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling, and others if any at all, the majority of television streaming platforms do not offer simultaneous multi-view features. DIRECTV still has the upper hand here because none of the streaming service partners allow for viewing four live channels simultaneously.
For instance, YouTube TV offers the feature of multiple streams but offers it in a way that different channels are put on different devices rather than mixing all the streams on one display. DIRECTV allows multiple inputs to be displayed on a single television without having to switch screens.
The only exceptions here would be support for PiP in some smart TV software or connecting HDMI for multiple input devices. Yet, it quickly turns into a more complex process than simply using DIRECTV’s Genie Mix Channels.
So for multiple-channel viewing convenience, DIRECTV is still the better equipment for simultaneous multi-channel viewing. Although streaming apps are changing at a rapid pace, there are no applications that can fully compete with the built-in options of the platform in this area, as is the case with DIRECTV.
The DIRECTV Experience
When posed with the question ‘Can you watch multiple channels at once on DIRECTV’, the response would be a loud ‘yes’. The Mix Channels technology and Genie DVR receivers used enable the viewer to view up to 4 DirecTV programs in real-time at the same time.
In general, Multi-View features are great if you are interested in observing games full of back and forth or if you want to follow the latest news from different stations at the same time. And if it ever does, DIRECTV remains unmatched in terms of giving customers the option to set up their channels from scratch.
So what are you waiting for go ahead and start mixing DirecTV channels today to have the best of the best when it comes to television. On the flip side, just make sure you are ready to stop arguing over whose remote control is whose because now everyone can watch their favorite shows at once.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
