What receivers can be used without a SWM multiswitch?

DIRECTV SWM technology is awesome, but not everyone is ready to upgrade right away. SWM technology first launched in 2009. Since then, it’s become the standard because it’s easy to use, takes less cabling, and makes it possible to have super-DVRs like the HS17 Genie 2. DIRECTV has said that all of their new equipment will be SWM-only, but there are still plenty of available receivers out there that can work without SWM, meaning that they are a great fit for your existing dish. You can’t get them straight from DIRECTV, however. Solid Signal is one of the few places where you can still get a non-SWM receiver.

Here’s a partial list including receivers from the last 15 years that can work without SWM technology. If a receiver is still available, a link has been provided to our product page.

Standard Definition Receivers and DVRs

  • D10 receiver*
  • D11 receiver*
  • D12 receiver*
  • R15 DVR*
  • R16 DVR*
  • R22 DVR*

High Definition Receivers and DVRs

  • H10 receiver*
  • H20 receiver*
  • H21 receiver*
  • H23 receiver*
  • H24 receiver
  • HR20 DVR*
  • HR21 DVR*
  • HR22 DVR*
  • HR23 DVR*
  • HR24 DVR

TIVO DVRs for DIRECTV

  • R10 DVR*
  • HR10 DVR*
  • THR22 DVR*

*Receivers marked with an asterisk are considered “end of life” and should be replaced with current hardware.

A word about Standard Definition Hardware

DIRECTV no longer supports the use of any standard definition hardware. If you still need standard definition service, you will need to use an HD-capable receiver. That HD receiver will also support standard definition, so you won’t have a problem. We do expect that standard definition service will eventually sunset nationally, and it’s already begun to disappear from local channels.

If you need help with a new receiver or any DIRECTV problem, call the experts! There’s a reason DIRECTV’s called us their dealer of the year… our customers told them to do it! We have some of the best customer satisfaction in the industry. You can find out more, and get the best service, all with one call. Call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.