I get this question about once a week. Here’s a typical one:
I’m thinking about pulling the trigger on a new Genie 2 but I don’t want to be left out if the Genie 3 is coming out soon. Do you have any information on the Genie 3 system?
It seems like it’s time for some honest talk there.
About DIRECTV’s Genie system
The Genie system from DIRECTV and AT&T has been the default install for new customers since 2012. It’s actually on its fourth generation, even though the current version is called “Genie 2.”
Generation 1: HR34 / C31
The original HR34 Genie was revolutionary for its time, to be sure. With five recording tuners and the ability to support three clients, it was a big hit with new customers. However, the HR34 hardware itself was a little overtaxed even on the day it was released. It tended to slow down with even moderate use.
Although this picture doesn’t show it very well, the C31 client is much smaller than the HR34. From day one, the DIRECTV Genie client has been about 4″ x 6″ in size and perfectly quiet. This device was made for bedrooms and is perfect for that kind of environment. The C31 differs from all Genie clients after it because it uses the old DIRECTV remote, not the Genie remote.
Generation 2: HR44 / C41
DIRECTV’s HR44 DVR was shown only one year after the HR34 debuted. As DIRECTV’s smallest DVR to date, it brought sleek performance to the Genie system. It also was the first DIRECTV DVR to support recording of 4K content, although like all Genie DVRs it required a client to show 4K content.
The C41 Genie client was identical to the C31 except that it uses the Genie remote. This remote has proven very popular due to its ease of programming and comfort in the hand. The C41 is still in use today. All HD Genie clients, models C41, C51, and C61 are functionally identical.
Wireless capabilities also came to the Genie system with the C41W client. The C41W and the later C61W are functionally the same.
Generation 3: HR54 / C61K
The HR54 is a streamlined version of the HR44. It has the new branding and no front panel buttons other than power. With 7 internal tuners, it can still record 5 things but does allow for the recording of HDR content in 4K.
There is a new-version HR54 which uses a pebbled front panel instead of a smooth one. This is a photo found on the internet:
This new HR54 acts just like the older versions. Other than the outer casing and the physical button for power, there’s no difference.
The C61K 4K client is the standard for wired clients now for customers who want 4K. To date there is not a wireless 4K client.
Generation 4: HS17 Genie 2
The Genie 2 represents a big change for DIRECTV. This one box acts as a power supply for the dish, wireless adapter for clients, Wi-Fi network adapter for on-demand, and DVR. As a DVR it offers the ability to record 7 things at once and supports 5 clients at once including 2 4K streams. All the Genie clients ever made are supported by the Genie 2.
Unlike older Genies, the Genie 2 doesn’t have a video output and doesn’t connect to a TV. The clients are used for TV viewing.
But what about the next generation “Genie 3?”
Folks, I can tell you that as I write this there is no Genie 3. AT&T is still making HR54s and Genie 2s. Unlike older receivers, there isn’t a lot of refurbishing needed and most people are getting brand new hardware when they get an install.
Now you can easily say that in the “tuner race” DISH’s Hopper 3 beats Genie 2. After all, Hopper 3 has 16 tuners and supports up to 8 clients. I’m not going to deny that. I will simply say that for most people, that’s kind of overkill. Personally I can’t recall the last time I recorded 6 things at the same time, let alone 16. Your choice of hardware and service is up to you, but if you’re a DIRECTV fan, you shouldn’t feel bad about having “only” 4 tuners. Also, remember that with an HR54 system you can add as many HR24 DVRs as you want, making a 16-tuner DIRECTV system an easy reality.
But the bottom line here is that there isn’t really a demand for any more advanced hardware. It basically boils down to bragging rights at this point. Both DIRECTV and DISH seem to have settled on their current devices, and it’s not likely those are going to change any time soon.
“Oh, this means both companies are going out of business, or merging, or …”
I hear this rumor all the time and honestly it’s nothing more than that. The fact that both companies are using economies of scale means that they’re smart. It doesn’t mean anything else. I’m not saying I know what the future will bring, but I can tell you that as I write this… no one is going out of business. No one is shutting anything down. No one is merging with anyone.
Stick to the facts. The current generation Genies are pretty great. Everything else… that’s for another article.
Nice write up. In the past I have heard there are software issues with the Genie 2. Since the product has now been out for years do you know if the Genie 2 is stable? I still have the original Genie (which is my single point of failure, and I am okay with that), and I am thinking of upgrading at some point. Thanks
I have been using the Genie 2 as my primary DVR for years now and have had no real issues. I know some people did, but I never did.
That is where AT&T going from bad to ugly!
The main issue with Genie 2 is it will not allow any other standalone receivers (H21, HR24 etc…) other than its own clients. This is a huge problem if your Genie going down, your entire Directv service is gone until you get Genie 2 fixed. The other issue is for those who has a HR24 in the RV as an independent receiver, you will no longer be able to use HR24 (or any other box) while on the road.
Unfortunately that’s true. But it’s not a hardware limitation of the Genie. It’s a policy that AT&T has, in order to simplify their support.
Over a year and a half later from when this article was written still no new hardware seems to be on the horizon (that I know of at least) I am willing to bet the HS17 will be the last piece of consumer hardware ever to be released by DirecTV, other then devices that support cloud streaming.
I’d bet against you there.
I hope you are correct and a Genie 3 comes out within the next year (or ten, lol)
Are you saying that because you know something you aren’t allowed to speak further about, or just assuming that there’s no way they can stick with the HS17 and C61* for another decade?
Another year later no rumors of any new hardware from DirecTV that I am aware of, please correct me if I am wrong.
Yes, new client hardware is coming. We’ll have it very shortly.
Perhaps this is what you are referring to? https://www.directv.com/satellite/technology/gemini/?cjevent=86f63cde906011ed814107170a1c0e12&source=ECay2500000ATV00A&wtExtndSource=100230975&cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww
Excited to see something new!
Yes, that is the new one. It’s not fully in wide release yet.
Article is a bit off. Genie is HR34, HR44, HR54, and revised HR54R1. The R1 version is a little functunally different as removed the eSATA port so doesn’t support external hard drive.
Then you have the Genie Lite H44 that the article completely missed. No recording built in, but has an optional DVR upgrade kit (DirecTV specific external hard drive). It does not remove the need of paying for DVR service if you go that route. Too many 3rd party retailers promoted it that way which caused a lot of headache.
The Genie-2 is the HS17 being a server tower that doesn’t connect to any TVs and only serves clients. It forbids other receivers which is why many of us consider it a downgrade as hard caps the system. Remember a Genie and 2 HDDVRs is 9 tuners, so more than than the 7 limit of the Genie-2. Also like the HR54 it has a revised version that removed the eSATA port, but they didn’t modify the model number to separate the two versions.
My personal hope is in the future they release a new model HDDVR to work with the Genies and built from the start to use SWM and the new GUI, instead of adapting like older models.
This is why I thought of the HR64. It has the following features:
2TB of storage
16 tuners to watch and record 16 shows at the same time
Faster processing power
4K UHD compatible (4K UHD TV required)
New for the first time on any DIRECTV receiver LOCATE REMOTE button
Streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix, HBO Max, Pandora, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, etc) (Internet or Ethernet connection required for use)
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility (Internet or Ethernet connection required for use)
Voice Remote compatibility (Internet or Ethernet connection required for use of Voice Commands)
And more
The HR64 will have the SWM power inserter built in like the HR54, so no additional power inserter will need to be used, and the coax cable coming from the LNB or splitter can just be connected right to the receiver. With an HR64 or HR54 (original with eSATA and revised without eSATA) system, you can add as many HR24 DVRs as you want.
The HR64 will have the same shape and back port layout s the HR54 (the original HR54, not the HR54R1; that means the eSATA port will be added), but it’s GUIDE, MENU, RES, and LOCATE REMOTE buttons will be mechanical buttons as the POWER button, and will be put into the silk screening on the front of the receiver. The HR64’s SELECT, UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT buttons will be the same front touch panel buttons from the HR44 like here, and will be put in the front of the receiver.
This is what I mean by the HR54 https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5941dcb8cfdef11cbc6f4486fc6febd108b7fe0d6581877a51df0e60e3dee3cb.jpg
THe HR-64 Sounds Good.
What happened to it ?
There never was an HR64. The hobbyist community made it up.
I gave up on it later on