Every DIRECTV box I’ve had for the last two decades has come equipped with a USB port. Actually, it’s possible that the very early ones didn’t, but certainly since DIRECTV started branding its own equipment, every receiver has had one. Sooner or later, you ask yourself that question: Why? What do they do?
Nothing.
Well, almost nothing. Every DIRECTV receiver has at least one USB port, and many of them have two, and yet they serve no useful purpose! With all these USB ports, you’d think they would be good for something, right? You’d think you could hook up an external hard drive, a keyboard, something, right? I mean, if they’re important enough to put on the tiny client boxes, they must do something, I’m thinking. And yet the answer is simple. They don’t.
In the past it was possible to connect an antenna module to your DVR to get over-the-air antenna channels in the guide. That functionality has been phased out for most boxes, and most customers are ok with that. Yet, that USB port is still on every box you see.
So why all the USB?
Some have suggested that DIRECTV uses these ports for testing the hardware before it is released, and since new hardware would require new testing, the ports stay on the finished devices. Still others have suggested that the ports are inexpensive and the chips to run them are used for other tasks, it’s a “why not” situation. There are those who hold out hope that DIRECTV is testing USB hard drive support, or perhaps some sort of adapter for advanced features. I’ve heard that story for years, and sadly nothing has come of it.
One imagines a secret DIRECTV lab on the sixth floor of some unmarked building actively testing these features, perhaps testing DIRECTV-approved flash drives or hard drives, or even more excitingly USB keyboards or mice to make searching easier. Maybe… but if such a “skunk works” exists then regular mortals aren’t allowed in… and even if they were they could not report on in publicly, right?
Trying to make the best of things
So in the meantime, the USB port remains next to useless. In a pinch, you can charge your phone. Just be aware that the output from the ones I’ve tested has been in the 250-500 milliamp range. That’s going to get your phone charging, but not very quickly. You may not care if you’re just going to leave it overnight, but if you’re looking for a quick top-off, you won’t get one from a DIRECTV box’s USB port. Most phones will charge slowly with that little current, but many other USB-powered devices won’t. Tablets won’t, chromebooks won’t, and VR headsets? Forget about it
For now, it’s more interesting to dream and guess about the USB ports, rather than facing the fact that they really… don’t… do… much.
Need a USB charger or something else?
Now that you know that your DIRECTV box’s USB port isn’t going to save you, it’s time to think about something that will. Shop Solid Signal for all the devices and accessories you’ll need to live your best digital life. We’re here for you 24/7 over the web.If you need help, call us! We’re here during East Coast business hours. The number is 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
