It’s time for a new generation to take over. The DIRECTV Genie 2 gives users 400 hours of HD recording space and the ability to watch TV in 7 rooms using wired and wireless clients. It also supports two 4K clients at the same time.
AT&T’s vision of the future is obvious with the HS17 Genie 2 (which might be renamed the “Genie Air” before it hits the market.) One box does it all. It has built-in wired and wireless networking, a wireless video bridge for connection to wireless clients, and it will even power the dish. The only thing it doesn’t do: it doesn’t output to a TV. Not directly, anyway. Unlike the HR54 Genie DVR, there’s no live TV output on the main box. This is meant to be a box you set up and leave alone.
Other key features include a new process for adding clients that’s easier than ever, a new access card shaped like a SIM (although a regular SIM won’t work), and a new, more powerful power adapter.
While the HS17 Genie 2 looks unlike any other DIRECTV product, it acts just like the current-generation Genie meaning that it’s going to be a comfortable experience for the millions of users who will upgrade to it. It’s expected to be available late in the second quarter of 2017.
If you’re interested in the full, in-depth review, read our “Hands On” PDF which lays it all out, or watch this mini-review to get an idea of what you’ll be drooling over for the next few months.
If you’re looking for a peek at the innards of the HS17, check out the review that those kooky cats over at iamanedgecutter.com did.
