DIRECTV Genie HD DVR is equipped with the High-Definition, HD video up to 1080p recording and playback feature. It should also be noted that the Genie system incorporates full HD functionality and compatibility with HDTVs.
Genie model capabilities
DIRECTV's newest Genie Models the Genie HR54 and Genie Mini C51 are the most advanced DVRs on the market. They come with:
- HD recording to as high a level as 1080p
- The capability to be compatible with any other high-definition or 4K televisions.
- Others include HDMI, component, composite, and coaxial inputs.
- Support for pausing and rewinding playback of HD programming from DIRECTV or other on-demand applications
So to answer the simple question at hand, it is possible to say, yes, that the Genie DVRs are fully high-definition compatible. At that time, even the older model HR44 was capable of recording and playing back high-definition programs. Nevertheless, the HR54 and all the following models do contain the support for 4K and the presence of a more potent processor.
Number of HD recordings supported
The Genie HR54 model comes with a 2TB HDD and supports up to 200 hours of high-definition programming. If you have Genie Minis connected all across your house, all those recordings can be accessed on any particular television set.
You can also plug in an external hard drive to the Genie for additional recording on the side of HD. To elaborate adding a 1TB drive to this would provide you with almost 300 hours total. An external drive that can hold up to 2 terabytes of data would be enough to provide more than 400 hours of space.
To sum up, there is virtually endless capacity for recording HD programs in case you use the DIRECTV Genie system.
HD formats and resolution
In addition to being able to record programs and movies in high definition for later viewing, the Genie can also show programs live in high definition. DIRECTV satellite service provides HD programming format that is either 1080i or 720p, with a resolution of up to 1080p.
The Genie DVR is capable of outputting up to 4K, therefore making it suitable for use with Ultra High Definition TVs. If the Genie is connected to the HDMI output, it will always optimize to the highest resolution possible for your television set.
Do you need HD Access to use HD Genie?
To unlock the Genie's HD functionality, you need to subscribe to one of DIRECTV's HD packages:
- High Definition (HD) Access fee – This fee allows for the reception of HD channels on one television set.
- HD and DVR service – Enhances the package with high-definition services and Genie DVR services available.
- First or better TV packages – Have HD Access for every TV
Therefore you can use the Genie DVR with other regular-definition DIRECTV packages. But SD programming is all you would be able to watch and record on that system, at least based on today’s technologies. Thus, to watch the programs in HD list and recordings in full 1080p quality, the client needs the HD access fee or package.
Genie Mini set-top boxes
Genie Mini units enable you to view content recorded on your DVRs on other TVs. Mini boxes can be connected through Wi-Fi or coaxial cable to the primary Genie DVR device.
The Genie Minis are HD receivers, so they can provide high-definition content to your TVs in different areas of your house. With the Genie system, it is possible to watch live high-definition channels and recorded hi-def programs on up to 8 total television configurations.
Thus to answer the first two questions, yes, the DIRECTV Genie DVRs can record and play back high-definition video ideally up to 1080p quality. When used together with Genie Mini clients, it offers a comprehensive solution for high-definition viewing in the whole home replacing the older standard-definition receivers.
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!
