2022 and beyond: Are all the ports on a DIRECTV box active?

Once upon a time, the back of a DIRECTV box was a forest of different connections. Take a look at the back of this DIRECTV HR20 from 2006:

Two Ethernet ports! Ten RCA connections. This thing had everything. Now take a look at the back of an HD Genie Client.

Quite a difference. Go up to 4K and you have even fewer ports, if that makes any sense.

But, even though there’s a big difference in the number of outputs on a DIRECTV box, the question is still the same: are they all active at the same time?

The answer you were hoping for

Yes, all the outputs on DIRECTV equipment are active at the same time. That means you can use the A/V out ports and this cable to connect to an old-school audio system. Or use the digital audio or optical ports for the same thing. However, because it’s now the 2020s and nothing is ever easy, there is something you need to worry about.

The curse of HDMI

HDMI is most certainly a mixed bag. Yes, you get video and audio in a very nice compact package with a plug that stays put yet doesn’t snag other cords when you move it. But, HDMI is also integrated with content protection designed to keep you from making perfect digital copies of the stuff you watch. I don’t know anyone who would bother trying, but it’s pretty darn hard to do. Impossible, actually, unless you want to go down some “black hat” roads with some untested equipment.

It’s worth bringing this up with regard to audio. You might think that you could hook your DIRECTV equipment to an audio amplifier and just enjoy the sweet, free tunes of Music Choice. It does work, but only if the TV is on. If you turn the TV off, the HDMI system thinks you’re trying to pirate that music. So you either have to keep the TV on, or unplug the HDMI cable so the DIRECTV box doesn’t think about it.

This is just one of the many ways that HDMI, as good as it is, gets on your nerves. There are adapters that let you get away without doing this, but again you’re getting into some pretty “black hat” stuff and it’s not guaranteed to work.

Get the advice you need

If you’re looking to something out of the ordinary with your DIRECTV system, you have a “friend in the business.” The tech experts at Solid Signal can help you figure out how to do what you want with your video equipment. Whether you’re at home, in a business, in an RV or truck, or even on the water, they’ll help you get it done! Best of all the advice is free. Email us during East Coast business hours at [email protected]. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you, usually within 24 hours. We’re here with expert advice before, during, and after the sale. We specialize in real customer service… give us a try!