Set recordings more easily with DIRECTV “Record Defaults”

DIRECTV makes it easy to record your favorite programs. When you’re in the guide and you see a program you want to record, press the RECORD button on your remote twice. (That’s the one with the orange circle and the R, not the one with the red dot. I know that’s confusing.) Once you do that you’ll be recording every episode on that channel.

There’s one more thing you need to do

Still, that may not be enough control for you, and you may end up modifying things so that it records the way you want. You may only want to keep one episode, you may want to record repeats, that’s up to you. You can always go into your series manager. From there you can edit any of the programs you’ve set to record.

There’s an easier way, especially if you are always making the same change. For example, I always want 10 episodes to stay in the list, not 5, and that’s an easy change to make.

For older (non-Genie) DVRs

Press MENU then go to Recordings, Manage Recordings. Arrow down to Recording Defaults. From there you can change the settings that are used any time you set up a recurring recording. DIRECTV calls this a “Series Link.” These settings will be used when you press the record button twice in the guide. They also take effect as well as in any menu where you can choose “record series.” It comes in especially handy for choosing the number of episodes you want to record and whether you want only first-run episodes or all episodes.

You can also set whether or not you want the recording to start early or end late or both. This can come in handy. Just know that on some DVRs you may end up with the ability to record fewer shows because of conflicts caused by starting early and ending late. Remember, DIRECTV’s DVRs have a special feature. They automatically start recording about 30 seconds early. They also and stop recording about 90 seconds late as long as it wouldn’t stop something else from recording. So, you may not need this feature as often as you’d like.

For Genie DVRs and clients

Press LIST then arrow up to Recording Manager and press SELECT. Arrow down to Typical Recording Preferences (it’s below the bottom of the screen, just keep arrowing down. From there you can change the settings that are used any time you set up a recurring recording. DIRECTV calls this a “Series Link.” These settings will be used when you press the record button twice in the guide. They also take effect as well as in any menu where you can choose “record series.” It comes in especially handy for choosing the number of episodes you want to record and whether you want only first-run episodes or all episodes.

You can also set whether or not you want the recording to start early or end late or both. This can come in handy. Just know that on some DVRs you may end up with the ability to record fewer shows because of conflicts caused by starting early and ending late. Remember, DIRECTV’s DVRs have a special feature. They automatically start recording about 30 seconds early. They also and stop recording about 90 seconds late as long as it wouldn’t stop something else from recording. So, you may not need this feature as often as you’d like.

A couple things to know

You can change recording defaults anytime you want but this screen only controls new Series Links that are set. Changing the recording defaults won’t go back and change them for every Series Link you’ve already set up. You’ll still have to do that manually if you want to make a global change.

I should also mention that if you’re looking for the best DIRECTV accessories, shop the great selection at Solid Signal! If you need help, call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below.

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.