You’ve recently changed your TV provider company and you are now using another company instead of DIRECTV So, what to do with the DIRECTV receiver box and further accessories? Of course, the easiest thing to do is to simply toss them out or leave them to gather dust in a closet somewhere but, to the contrary several fairly useful things can be done with your old DIRECTV equipment. Below are some tips on how you can repurpose your old DIRECTV box to make it more useful than it is useless.
Make it a true media mogul
Some of the Directv newer models Directv models come with apps and streaming where you can access apps such as Netflix YouTube Pandora and much more even without paying for the Directv subscription. However, if your box is connected to your WiFi network, then various supported apps allow you to stream movies, shows, music, and other content. This provides an opportunity to get entertained flexibly but without fixed charges.
To use your old DIRECTV receiver as a media player, begin by connecting it to the television along with the Wi-Fi network as normally done. When you are going to update the billing information related to the canceled Directv account then there should also be an option to skip this process and gain access to other options. Find out what options are out there and you can now have free streaming entertainment with the help of the repurposed device!
Treat It as a DVR, Even If It Is Not Connected to DIRECTV
However, it should be noted that besides streaming media apps, many DIRECTV boxes have the capability of displaying videos saved on the internal hard drives of their units, even when there is no DIRECTV service connected to the box. If for example, you canceled your subscription but recorded movies, shows, sports, and other events using your DIRECTV receiver, then you might be surprised to know that most of those recordings can still be viewed after the box has been deactivated.
All you need is to reconnect the DIRECTV box to the TV and pick up the remote. You should be able to listen to content that has been recorded in the past as you normally would and the controls for pausing, rewinding, or fast-forwarding should work as well. This is like having a completely independent house DVR with no charges for the month either! The only thing that should be noted here is that some of the recorded programs may be locked without a subscription to DIRECTV.
Convert It Into a Remote Controlled Retro Gaming Console
Do you know you can code some specific older DIRECTV receiver models to run as modified gaming consoles with a classic video game? Some firms such as The Link sell DIRECTV hacks software and hardware that can enable one to get over the stock firmware limitations and side load emulators for old game systems such as Nintendo (NES & SNES), SEGA Genesis, and Atari 2600 among others.
To transform your DIRECTV box into a dedicated retro gaming machine:
- It includes the buying of supported modding hardware and software from a DIRECTV hacking site.
- To configure your box, read their installation guides to compromise its firmware.
- Load your preferred side-load emulators&game ROMs
- Now it is time to connect controllers to play!
Of course, it requires some technology knowledge and a few clicks, but the result is pretty much an independent retrogaming console for thousands of older game titles – all bought without the need to buy expensive retro hardware and games. You can easily upgrade your old and rusty access cardless DIRECTV receiver and give it a new lease of life.
It could be fashioned into a weather display and this would be a great way to change a room into a weather center.
Another unique idea that has been implemented by some DIRECTV users is to transform the inactivated receiver boxes into digital weather boards by programming these boxes to scroll through the current weather and future predictions of different program channels on the display screens instead of shows. The feature is a creative solution to repurpose an old device for practical use while also being able to check the weather at a glance.
It involves installing of special firmware on the DIRECTV box directing it to a weather feed over the internet rather than satellite signals. There are links to detailed instructions on how each step of the build is made. Finally, you will end up installing an automated weather station that is located near the window and provides details of real-time temperature, forecast information, radar, and any other information that you desire, right at your fingertips.
It does take some element of skill to fashion a weather display out of a satellite box for instance. However, the result is an effective and aesthetically pleasing weather gadget that is not readily available in the marketplace.
Donate It
If you still do not think that any of the aforementioned repurpose ideas for the DIRECTV receiver are suitable for you then the final option that you can take is to recycle the old equipment by donating it to the charity. Charitable institutions such as the Salvation Army the Goodwill Industries and other local thrift stores also accept functioning electronics.
Remember to carry out the master reset on your DIRECTV box before returning it to avoid any unauthorized persons accessing your information. All that one has to do is go to the Setting and there the user will find the button to go back to the factory defaults and click it. Now, you’ll be able to hand it over and share the joy with someone new.
Recycling old electronics if the ones that are being given would otherwise be discarded and left to start decomposing in the landfill. The money from selling repurposed goods goes towards useful services in the community. Such is an effective way to clean up your home, and at the same time, help others.
DIY projects are also a great way to use those tires and come up with something unique and artistic.
Feeling crafty? You can also incorporate parts from old DIRECTV boxes into creative DIY projects:
- Create jewelry products by joining tiles of sections of motherboards through glue and accessories like earrings or necklaces.
- Transform the satellite dish into an appealing artificial timepiece or clock on the wall
- Screw the access card cover on a piece of wood to give it a fitting appearance for wall decoration.
- Adorn a house with a piece of a dismantled circuit board as a contemporary interior design
While your old receiver may no longer be able to receive broadcasts, there is still a lot of wiring and circuitry, as well as other components, that make up the device and which can be put to good use, especially if you have a creative bent of mind. RESOURCEFUL
This should be done as a last resort after all the other methods have been applied and found to be ineffective.
If all other options are exhausted and it’s just gathering dust, local recycling facilities that handle electronic waste such as DIRECTV boxes are probably available. Just be certain that every personal data is erased to the core through a master reset first. If unsure of your recycling center’s stand on old satellite TV equipment, phone and clear the air before dropping off equipment for recycling.
The Bottom Line
Instead of having old DIRECTV hardware remain unused or end up in dumps, you may wish to reuse your receiver, dishes, and other accessories. Satellites are no longer expensive pieces of hardware only used for television but can be repurposed in an infinite variety of creative ways such as media streamers, DVRs, retro gaming systems, weather tickers, art installations, and more. Or simply donate to charity The crucial thing is that the money is invested in something that is meaningful and has the potential of positively affecting people’s lives.
Hence, before joining the ranks of those who discard their obsolete DIRECTV technology in the dustbin, please read on to learn how to breathe new life into your gadgets. It allows the consumer to have full use of their equipment no matter if they cancel the service.