Solid Signal's Review of the DIRECTV Genie 2 (HS17)

DIRECTV's new Genie DVR makes installation even easier, eliminating the need for extra boxes unnecessary procedures. It supplies seven rooms in your home with HD and 4K service, but there are some things you should know! Watch the video, then visit www.solidsignal...!

[@BigSmoove77x]

This genie 2 is nice I do not have any problems with it. But recommend to hook up wired thou.

[@ytesc_]

We’re the password it on the box

[@jeffbarron5500]

I had one of these setup about 2 mo ago, today it reports hard drive failure, is this just crappy made junk or what

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Just bad luck I think

[@catalinaguerrero9453]

I had this system install in my house & it’s been the worse haven’t had any solutions from Direct tv, my tv screen is pitch black & if i get lucky only one channel im able to see.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

If you have a less expensive HDR TV, that's probably the cause. Try tuning to a non-4K channel and unplugging/replugging the TV. If that doesn't fix it, try setting the resolution so 4K isn't supported and see if that fixes it.

[@Drums-ve8on]

Other than all of the technobabble, this was very informative.

[@Tarek123H]

where does this have to be placed next to the genie mini or the genie

[@SolidSignalNovi]

This can be placed anywhere in the home where there is access to power and a coax cable.

[@dannydale1785]

How do I connect my Excede modem and Net gear router?

[@SolidSignalNovi]

You can connect via Wi-Fi or wired internet. Go into the Settings on the client and you can do the connection info there.

[@meduza65]

Dad's antique dvr finally died and we are getting force fed this shit. Sorry I will get my tv elsewhere, via wifi. Can't wait for them to fight with my Dad over his old reliable satellite. I actually put in for a vacation day to watch that happen.

[@avilajairo74]

I don’t have this Genie and I will be keeping what I have installed already

[@lylecameron5578]

Wow, so many negative comments. I just had mine installed with C61-K-700 client to use with my new LG OLED 4K tv and I have to tell you, it works flawlessly.

[@edsoriano924]

Hella glad to hear I just ordered

[@edsoriano924]

Walter White funny cause I posted that awhile back I ended up knowing the installer a family friend and he told Me don’t get that garbage so I’m just using 4K and Atmos through Netflix for now.. there’s only 3 channels on direct tv in 4K right now 1 is sports which they are not even playing .. 1 is discovery channel and the other is ppv.. I thought there was way more channels than that by now..

[@jimsauceda3039]

i juat got a new LG with Nano Cell technology and i love the picture

[@melissametil4589]

lelands wanting directv c61w genie 2 rc66rx remote

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Melissa Metil if you need DIRECTV accessories, we have them! Shop now at www.solidsignal.com or call us at 877-312-4547 first thing in the morning!

[@t.xmmy_]

Does it have a wifi password on it anywhere? Plz help

[@SolidSignalNovi]

The HS17 connects to your home WiFi. It doesn’t supply its own. The wireless clients connect using a different, private network.

[@hallie1275]

Have the issues that people were having with this unit been fixed? Really want to get one but only see negative reviews

[@davenelson2901]

i believe you need that box for 4k...and yes like you said they have to install...thanks nice video

[@NytronX]

The HS17 is absolute garbage. Ethernet doesn't even work. And there's no option to force it to "Forget WiFi" or disable WiFi. 4k channels have lag and sometimes there is no sound.

[@debnott3906]

This Genie 2 is the worst experience I've ever had. I've always been a calm even tempered person but this thing has turned me into an angry person that is trying so hard not to throw the remote at the television. I hate this thing.

[@LaReaper5150]

Its bullshit weak as fuck no strong signal If you like lag hard well this for you!

[@EnaneWahaw]

20 seconds has misinformation. The Genie-2 (HS17) does NOT have the same recording capacity as the previous generation. All 3 generations of Genie have 1TB hard drive, but the Genie-2 has 2TB. The no legacy receivers portion is VERY important. Genie-2 has 7 tuners shared between all, but regular Genie and having 2 HDDVRs is 9 tuners. With no difference in monthly cost, Clients are not worth it except if you really want a wireless box or the 4K connection. For most people stick with the HR44 or HR54 Genie. If you got the original big HR34, just warranty replace and good to go. The HS17 is way too much hassle for really no overall improvement for a traditional setup. That ends my rant on this restrictive failure of a design.

[@julieankhan.2801]

I called direct tv to get a mini. 1st call cust svs woman started reading from a script to get me to pay 89.99 for a box warranty. I said no I only want the mini. She then proceeded to loop back into reading her script as I repeatedly 5 times said I dont want it! After the 5th time I screamed stop reading the dam script and listen. I don't want it. She proceeded to loop back into the benefits yet again. I hung up. Called again. 2nd guy said he needed serial # from boxes. I said you dont have them on my acct? He didnt ask again after that. Then said 99 fee for technician to come out. I said why is it saying FREE online? I dont want it for 99 keep it. I said I'm reading where home owner installed it themselves. Im reading the directions right to him. Suddenly the 99 tech fee got waived. If this tech charges me hes getting that thing up his bum. This company is a Ripoff now. I guess every time you call your going to get some fee for them to do anything.

[@triforcehakzz7376]

Does this have internet on it someone Ples tell me

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Yes it will connect to the internet. If you're asking if it has a web browser, no it will no.

[@triforcehakzz7376]

Solid Signal ok thanks

[@DavidA20200]

This is a joke compared to Dish. Dish you can have 5 4K tvs!!! AT&T has fucked up Directv. Also I always get no server detected on only one of my wired clients!

[@bobbyking6886]

Just cancelled my contact with Directv after 20 years of service. Between this piece of garbage system and since AT&T took over, I had enough. Product sucks and the service as well. Anything AT&T touches turns to crap. Went with KZbin tv and have been pretty happy for the last month.

[@Audiomainia2310]

I hate my Genie 2 / POS from AT&T. Going to Dish. Cheaper, mire options.

[@bobbyking6886]

Anthony Torres - I Just cut the cord. Had enough. Went with KZbin tv.

[@GigaSyntax]

@@bobbyking6886 Streaming isn't for everyone. Buffering is a issue.

[@jonathanolivares1261]

wao! good thing I saw this reviews first. I will definitely keep my old wired system.

[@sheilasavage590]

I hate the HS17 Genie 2. I wish I could go back to the HR54. The picture quality is better on the HR54 and there is a weird lag time with Genie2 when changing channels and even turning on the television. Still loses signal at the hint of rain. Tried watching on Demand one time and the whole system froze up. Had to call Direct TV service to connect again. I told them I did not like or want the Genie 2, which is supposed to be an upgrade, but it really isn't. They told me I'd have to pay to purchase the HR54 again. I've had Direct TV for almost 17 years, and thinking about going back to cable. I had a feeling Direct TV would go to garbage when it joined with AT&T.

[@GigaSyntax]

Just switch to Dish

[@markbolinger4990]

OH GOOD GRIEF NO! DISH IS WORSE BY FAR!!@@GigaSyntax

[@CrashOverride777]

At least the on-demand works with it

[@dereckhoffman654]

I have had so many stuttering issues with HR54, Im hoping going back to HR44 fixes things

[@carloso5910official]

You can’t go back.

[@johnwhite8263]

This gentleman should be the person that writes instruction manuals for oh I don't know everything. Every instruction manual I read down to something as simple as a pencil eraser still has too much ambiguity. I elect this gentleman to replace Webster in the Webster's Dictionary immediately. Not the real Donald Trump dot-com

[@MichaelSimmons.]

A tech from Directv told me on the phone this week, if someone from Directv tries to upgrade me to this Genie 2, "RUN". She said they've had nothing but trouble with them from day one.

[@mrbdx]

Venom101002 My Direct RV tech said the exact same thing when I asked him about it.

[@kylewood1014]

This system drops more than our last system. Always dropping. Freezing. I don't recommend upgrading to this system. We upgraded in July. Terrible decision.

[@GigaSyntax]

Did you go back or switch providers?

[@johndavis8457]

I got this a few months ago and it is not that great. In fact the picture quality is worse than the previous generations. There is also a lot of lag when changing channels. I have very good internet speed and everything is hooked up wired directly to my router/modem combo unit. I also have a Xbox one s and a Sony 4K tv from 2014 top of the line back than. Everything is hooked up to my soundbar which is definitive technology w studio as well. The sound is amazing and the video quality through Xbox one s is amazing but it’s actually worse watching DirecTV input vs watching something through my other input via Xbox one s

[@zeusm8498]

This damn thing is trash f..... direct tv

[@dcullun3]

But the new software sucks and has so many issues, do not go there. I am regretting it daily

[@jayjy1583]

DirecTV Genie mini suck man our whole system upstairs is freezing all the time doesn't even load half the time we've called a thousand times they don't do nothing it sucks sucks sucks

[@dougfuller5780]

Genie 1 has pip Genie 2 does not 😡

[@keithzimmerman9187]

Oh yes it does. Cause we make it have PIP

[@danktrees1240]

How many years apart did the genie 1 and 2 came out too see when is the next one new genie 3 coming out?

[@curto922]

Can this be used with normal Genie Minis? I have 2 wireless and 6 wired Genie Minis around the house.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Yes you can use it with wired or wireless clients.

[@carloso5910official]

@@SolidSignalNovi But only Clients are allowed. Nothing else.

[@Hotled1944]

It is the worst system ever. This thing suffers from , dropped sound,very bad lag, lockup’s etc. We will be dropping DTV ASAP

[@kattykat9600]

I mean, it really depends on your internet speed so theirs that....

[@iLikeRandomfacts]

I'm sure someone else commented this, but it's actually 7 hd streams f you want to annotate it

[@barry4134]

Save yourself...don't get a Genie 2 stick with your HR44 or 54. These are a joke.

[@jimsauceda3039]

is it really that bad? i just called and scheduled my upgrade but sounds like i need to cancel it.

[@carloso5910official]

@@barry4134 Yeah. As of 2022, the HS17 is now considered a very reliable server-based DVR option. In fact, that's pretty much all they're installing these days. The only issue still is the restrictive design, but we’ll get used to it, if DIRECTV’s new co-owner decides to stick to making client-only system DVR’s for it.

[@DawgBone]

These freakin' DirecTV techs are annoying.... Who cares about what SWM/LNB.... Easy/fairly cheap upgrade.... Let's talk about some details.... Less than the negatives of the HS17, like large form factor, only two 4K displays(HDR content?), and costs per client. Do RVU displays need a DECA? Is this CRAP capable of layer 2/3 switching via ethernet? Can they be on an isolated subnet, not facing the internet?(I understand I'd lose mobile viewing), but I wouldn't want it sucking up my personal internal/internet bandwidth. Plus I could subnet/port forward for it if need be... I would use the COAX for OTA.... Again... Ethernet to DECA/COAX, and can it be separated from my intranet/internet? As of now I have a HR-54 and two 4K Mini's, although I'm about to step up to 4K in the living room. My LivingRoom is connected to the HR54, but the display is being upgraded to a RVU 4K HDR display..... The other two mini's, will stay at HD with 4K Mini's... And why I'm asking about RVU and DECA's... Can these RVU TV's figure it out over an ethernet network? Without DECA's?

[@SolidSignalNovi]

DawgBone There’s a lot to unpack there. You do need a DECA for RVU displays, the system will not work if you run them straight wired or wireless. You must use a coax line to get to the TV site. You can subnet if you want or simply not connect to the internet. It won’t work as well when not connected but it will work. OTA is not supported with this device at all. Again, the RVU TVs must be on the coax network with just the DECA at the termination point.

[@destock666]

If you like lag and freezes, you're gonna love Genie 2!

[@SolidSignalNovi]

destock666 if you are having problems with your Genie 2 you should call for service!

[@barry4134]

Genie 2 blows..LAG big time! Can't even channel surf cause the screen goes black. I now know why Directv gave it to me for free. My HR44 was ten times faster.

[@carloso5910official]

@@SolidSignalNovi Or get it replaced with a normal Genie (HR44 or HR54)

[@markbolinger4990]

I did that. They told me to hit the re set button.WORTHLESS

[@charliedavisthearchitect3874]

Internet box idiot

[@marissaortiz3726]

Where the HDMI ports?

[@SolidSignalNovi]

There is no HDMI port, you need a client to output TV.

[@jadeplantzen]

No HDMI ports. It works like a server.

[@tavobeasty82]

So these are the guys that create service calls for us

[@mccalejk2]

Gustavo Magana No, it’s from crappy Directv techs who think just because they are techs and are given 5 minutes of training every blue moon (which is basically a flier being handed to them) that they know what they’re talking about. Directv’s tech education is a joke and a lot of places, especially Multiband, hire just about anyone. I literally had three techs come out this last week to do my install. All three made excuses so I ended up installing it all myself. The tech who came to drop the IRDs off yesterday didn’t even know what SWiM or IRD stood for. Bless his heart for trying to give me a PI for my HR54. His heart was in the right place.... 🙄

[@HaikHakopyan]

@@mccalejk2 you sound like a dumbass

[@amanisimmons580]

I live in Atlanta, I called to ask was it available and it is, but it cost me $399, they're coming to install it tomorrow. I'll give an update then.

[@RobAlpacaflip]

This is cool but it kinda sucks. can it do 7 minis all together or does it have to be 5/2 reg and 4k? Should it be installed centrally in the home like a video bridge to ensure optimal central wireless signal?

[@SolidSignalNovi]

It should be installed like a video bridge, but the wireless signal is pretty strong and should cover most homes. Also it will do wired clients as well as wireless. I believe it will do 7 regular clients but no more than two 4Ks.

[@RobAlpacaflip]

Hm. this is gonna suck because people have sound systems that'll be a pain to set up with just minis.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Not sure why this would suck, since clients have both HDMI out and digital audio out, plus with the appropriate cable they can output analog stereo.

[@RobAlpacaflip]

clients suck i work for direcTV haha i just dislike minis altogether thats why i got a hr54 and 4 hddvrs for my hsp account

[@RobAlpacaflip]

whatever you say buckaroo

[@jasonvoorhees4590]

for California customers out there i called directv this morning and they told me that the genie 2 is not yet available in California but will be available soon

[@jasonvoorhees4590]

thank you for letting me know now i know why its not here in California yet thanks

[@tonyc520]

Jason Voorhees I live in Anaheim ca and got one it was installed on April 14th.

[@jasonvoorhees4590]

Yah but I am in Lake County california I am more up north

[@jasonvoorhees4590]

Yah I just called it's not in my area yet

[@zeusm8498]

You dont want this trash it freezes like crazy keep your current system

[@tylerdorn3278]

There were a ton of incorrect comments in this video. the HS-17 uses 11 tuners, and in turn HAS to have a reverse band LNB or digital SWM LNB to function properly. A SWM16 multi switch would cause a tuner conflict when using clients, whether they be 4K, wireless, or wired. Also, the hard drive space is doubled from the HR44/HR54 from 1TB (about 1000 hours) to a 2TB (about 2000 hours) hard drive. Also you cannot self-install this receiver unless you have the ability to access the receiver menu through the application all DIRECTV certified installers are given on their phones. It requires IP address and DNS server configuration that can't be done by the average user. Please make sure you verify your facts before posting your review and your statistics. Source: I am an SBCA certified DirecTV installer and have been for many years and we have already been trained on this equipment.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

I respect your point of view but I can categorically state that it will work with a SWM16, and while self-install is difficult, it is not impossible without the app.

[@tylerdorn3278]

Solid Signal well I hope I never have to go behind a SWM16 connected to an HS-17 service call, because that's sure what is to happen.

[@RobAlpacaflip]

SS is probably the people making so many service calls for us techs based off this video.

[@tylerdorn3278]

RobAlpacaflip lol I was thinking the same thing.

[@danmichel1998]

I'm am AT&T tech, and from the information I've read, it will work with a SWiM16, but the preferred method is to install a reverse-band SWiM3

[@byronsanders7124]

you wouldn't be able to use this with a swim 16. theres only 8 swim channel's per output.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

Incorrect. If connected to a SWM16 it will pull 8 tuners.

[@tylerdorn3278]

Solid Signal correct but incorrect at the same time. Yes it would only pull 8 tuners but then you get yourself into a tuner conflict when adding rooms to the system that will cause an issue during live TV when trying to record. The HS-17 is meant to pull 11 tuners, therefore only a crappy installer would use a SWM16 for this server given its limitations and capabilities.

[@byronsanders7124]

I think there is a Swim30 multi-switch or something like that coming out (15 channels per output..2 outputs). I have a very hard time believing that DTV would cancel all other receivers on the account by getting this. Genies more likely.

[@byronsanders7124]

and you'll get a 776 error code.

[@AMPTechGrade]

WHAT?! I didn't think it was coming out this soon lol. I just wished it were wall mountable or rack mountable. When does it come out officially to order with new DirecTV service?

[@SolidSignalNovi]

It will be out in late second quarter, we think.

[@tylerdorn3278]

Solid Signal it is already out in most markets. But there is only a need for it if you have 5+ TVs. If you have 4 or less an HR44/54 will work just fine.

[@SolidSignalNovi]

It is in pilot test, I believe, not in the majority of markets.

[@AMPTechGrade]

Is it in the northeast market or nah?

[@tylerdorn3278]

AMP Tech as far as I know it's currently in the southeast and working its way up. They've begun putting it on work orders from Florida to North Carolina and they're continuously rolling it out at most contracting companies including Mastec AT, their biggest installation company.