Do you feel like your DIRECTV DVR is acting weird? Do you think you’ve missed recordings and have some unexplained issues? Have you tried resetting the DVR and feel like it hasn’t helped? There’s a new way to clear out some of the cobwebs from the inside of the DVR and it’s very easy to do.
On Genie systems
This process is very easy, almost too easy. Press the DASH button to go to the search box. Then input the following:
CLEARMYBOX
then press the red button. You’ll see the following screen on all your Genie clients:
and all you have to do is wait about 10 minutes.
Before you do this – it’s important to know…
This process will IMMEDIATELY reboot your Genie DVR and cut off live TV for everyone in the home. Any recordings in process will stop, and there is nothing you can do to speed up the process. If you don’t want discord in the home, make sure you tell everyone else what’s going on.
On older DIRECTV boxes
The process is very similar, but takes a few more steps.
Press the MENU button then choose Search&Browse, Smart Search, and press SELECT. Input the following into the search window:
CLEARMYBOX
then press the red button. Then with “All” highlighted press SELECT again. The DVR should reboot by itself within a few seconds. It’s going to take a while to reboot.
What to expect at this point
It will take about 10-15 minutes to do this process, but when it’s done, it will have cleared its guide data database and several other little bits inside. This may help you with missed recordings or even general sluggishness. However, there is a possibility you will lose all your channel logos and on demand for a period of a day or so. This is perfectly normal and everything should return soon.
This process is optional and most people won’t need to do it. The quarterly software downloads that come for most receivers do a lot of the same things. It’s not going to hurt anything to do this once in a while, especially if you are feeling like the whole thing is a little sluggish.
What to do if this doesn’t help
If you still have problems, there are some next steps. If you’re using a Genie system, sluggishness often has to do with cable that’s too long or that is beginning to age. Do you see kinks in the cable? Has it been beaten up? That will cause problems too. In a case like this, a service call will help figure out if new cabling or wireless clients are needed.
With older equipment, it just might be time to upgrade. I know there are still some customers out there who feel like their old hardware is better than a Genie system. I support your right to do whatever you want with your DIRECTV system. Just know that anything pre-Genie is now about ten years old, and they aren’t making replacements for that old hardware. You can look for a newly refurbished model that might help for a while, though.
Either way, you’ll want to call the experts at Solid Signal. We can help you figure out your next steps, dispatch a technician, or get you a replacement receiver. The number is 888-233-7563 and we’re here for you during East Coast business hours!
