For viewers who still watch television and would like to enjoy the latest features of DVR, as well as the broad offering of programs, GENIE systems of DIRECTV will come in handy. DIRECTV currently offers two main Genie platforms: Genie 1, often referred to as HR34 or HR44, was first introduced to the market early in 2012 while Genie 2 was introduced to the market in 2019.
Since Genie 1 and Genie 2 are different models with different capacities, the choice between the two will greatly depend on your wallet, programming needs, and the number of TVs you intend to receive. This extensive guide will compare and contrast some of the major distinctions between these sophisticated DVR systems to assist you in making the decision on which one is most suitable for your household entertainment.
Number of Tuners
There are several differences, such as recording capacity. The amount of recording time for voice, video, or data is much larger for an S-OXC than for an MSR. The Genie 1 DVR is equipped with 5 tuners so it means you can record as many as 5 different programs simultaneously with another recorded show playing at the same time. Genie 2 takes it to another level and can perform up to 7 recordings at once. While cable-cutting remains a popular trend, for TV enthusiasts who are planning to record a lot of programming, those extra two tuners in the Genie 2 can be worth the difference.
Storage Capacity
Synchronization is closely linked with the recording capability of the storage. Therefore, the Genie 1 DVR is fitted with a 500 GB hard drive that gives it the capacity to record about 200 hours of SD content or 100 hours of HD programming. Other upgrades possible include incorporating a second, external hard drive of 1TB or 2TB of storage capacity.
In contrast, the base Genie 2 DVR comes with a 1TB drive in the box, which is twice the internal storage of the Genie 1. The base model can be enhanced with an add-on external hard drive to increase space to 2 TB or 4 TB where tens of hours of TV shows and movies can be stored.
4K and HDR Support
As the general picture quality rises in numerous channels and streaming services, the availability of 4K and High Dynamic Range (HDR) support becomes more significant. One of the significant drawbacks of the Genie 1 platform is its inability to support the native 4k resolution. an HR54 model DVR was later introduced that would allow live 4K broadcasts, although 4K DVR capability is still not available.
The Genie 2 finally provides full, native 4K HDR support on DIRECTV’s DVR lineup which has been a long-awaited addition. This makes it a better choice for home theatre enthusiasts who engage in watching ultra-high definition videos on relatively newer 4K TVs. You must be willing to subscribe to the Ultimate or Premier packages of the DIRECTV to access live 4K broadcasts.
Wi-Fi Capability
Genie 1 DVRs must be connected via coaxial cable and an ethernet port which depends on a wired internet connection. The Genie 2 also supports Wi-Fi connectivity which is part of the Genie Mini set-top boxes as well, although with a dual-band wireless. These native wireless internet access solutions are more flexible and neat installation possibilities that do not require the wiring of all devices directly.
Client and TV Compatibility
We should take some time to understand how each platform manages client connections across all of your televisions. The Genie 1 system employs what is commonly referred to as Genie Minis (C41 and C41W models) to integrate your DVR experience to other television units. Each Genie 1 account includes 3 free client additions or client promotions to a higher level. This can be followed by another 7 additional clients at $6 per extra TV included in the monthly subscription.
The Genie 2 uses next-gen 4K Genie Minis to offer better picture quality, integrated navigation, and faster interaction than the Genie 1 clients. Like in the past, DIRECTV offers 3 Genie Mini upgrades for free. You can then pay to have an additional 7 TV sets activated at $6 per month for service on each additional TV set.
Voice Control Options
Another factor that stokes for these DVR systems is their easy-to-use trait. However, it is possible to control the Genie 1 through the DEFNV mobile application and vocal commands with the devices manufactured by DIRECTV. Still, it does not work in an interconnected system with the Google Home or Amazon Alexa systems of smart homes.
Genie 2 supports direct voice search through a built-in Google Assistant interface using Google Nest devices, Google Home speakers, and all Android or iOS smartphones. This enhances and diversifies the further hand-free operation of the car’s built-in navigation system.
Available Packages and Costs
We will now analyze the costs that are entailed with the hardware and programming packages of Genie across the different service categories of DIRECTV. The holders of this type of service can quite often get a discount for the first year of using the service.
The Genie 1 system is available to consumers who want to claim a new DIRECTV subscription if they want to get a cheaper equipment fee. DIRECTV offers the Genie DVR for free and also the standard installation for the first 12 months of service for the package bundle known as the ENTERTAINMENT package.
For Genie 2, DIRECTV expects the client to subscribe to a PREMIER, ULTIMATE, or MÁS ULTRA plan that costs at least $95 per month during the first months of service. They then offer the new Genie DVR (and new dish if required) at a $0 lease and usually, they charge a lot of money for installation but here they can ignore that. For the second year and subsequent years, the charges may turn out to be significantly higher depending on what offer is in place.
The Verdict
In the final analysis, we can safely join the chorus and declare that the Genie 2 is the superior overall system given the fact that it comes with features such as 4K/HDR support, built-in Wi-Fi as well as smarter voice control. Nevertheless, Genie 1 retains its position as a stable mid-tier brand -- it is still a good choice for customers who want to reduce equipment and installation costs as much as possible. This may also be true in that the conventional wired connection may be more advantageous in some home network layouts.
Compare the features of both systems to your watching pattern, cost, and installation needs to determine which package in the DIRECTV Genie family is best suited to your house. Defining the selected channels, picture quality desired screen size, and other additional works necessary for the appropriate channel enables the wise channel investment toward the dream TV entertainment.
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!
