If you’ve recently been living with Genie problems such as the dreaded DIRECTV Error 54 (MoCA test error) you know it can be very frustrating. It seems like everything works fine sometimes and sometimes your Genie Mini Client. You may have tried changing out equipment, and perhaps you’re getting green lights on all your devices. Yet, the problems are still there.
It’s a fact of life: the cable is usually the problem
If you’ve tried everything else, the problem is probably in the cable. Actually, if you can possibly try the cable first, you’ll usually find that’s where the problem is to begin with. Cable problems fall into two categories: the ones you can fix, and the ones you can’t.
The problems you can’t fix
Let’s start with the problems you can’t fix. There’s a distance limitation to working with Genie and you start to run into problems when the total distance between Genie and client exceeds 250 feet, or if either run is over 150 feet. That’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s still a pretty good one. If you suspect your cable run is longer than that, try to simplify things. If the cable runs through the attic or basement, try running diagonally instead of against the walls or corners. I know, it’s not as pretty, but the cable length you save could make all the difference.
The problems you CAN fix
Now onto the problems you can fix. Maybe the cable’s gotten beat up. Maybe insects have chewed through it or maybe it got kinked up. Who knows. Maybe the ends have started to get loose. Start by changing the ends (if you don’t have something like our CABLEKIT, check it out, it’s a great value) and even try changing the ethernet cable between DECA and smart TV. You’ll be surprised how well this can work.
You may have never had problems before and even other aspects of your smart TV may still work, but DIRECTV’s networking is very demanding. There’s no buffering involved so the communication needs to be really clean all the time. That’s part of the reason why DIRECTV requires that you use their coax lines instead of ethernet cables; ethernet is designed for redundancy not smoothness, and smoothness is what you need.
Something to try
It might even be worth it to make a whole new cable and string it across the floor, just to see if it solves the problem. If you’re at the end of your rope, why not? I’ve heard too many times that DIRECTV techs can’t even diagnose problems like this properly and sometimes leave without solving things, or propose using a receiver instead of a client or smart TV. You deserve better than that… you deserve to have your setup your way.
Always use top quality cables
Don’t use cables that you get from a home store. Even the expensive ones aren’t up to the task of working with satellite TV. Instead, get custom-made cables from Solid Signal. Shop now and find the cable you need. We sell it by the foot or by the reel. This is the same cable that satellite installers use and you can use it too. If there’s a cable problem, you’ll fix it with new, professionally made cable.
If you have any other questions, call us at 888-233-7563! We’re happy to help out with support or product suggestions. If it’s after hours, just fill out the form below!
