Hey, remember this DVR?
This is DIRECTV’s HR24 DVR. First introduced to the world in 2009, it’s been in use in commercial accounts, in RVs, boats, and virtually anywhere that people wanted the whole DIRECTV DVR experience in a single box. Its specs were revolutionary in those days: a fast processor, 500GB hard drive, and a touch panel on the front for a sleek, sexy look. It was DIRECTV’s first DVR made from scratch for DIRECTV’s SWM technology, and also the last DVR that would support the older multi-line technology.
Its versatility and durability has kept it going for all these years, but that time is about to end. If you call DIRECTV, they won’t allow new customers to activate HR24s, and from here on in only those people who are replacing older DVRs will get them
What should you do now?
Here’s the first thing you need to know: your HR24 won’t get turned off overnight. In the past, DIRECTV has kept old receivers going more than 10 years after they become obsolete. They still support the HR21, HR22, and HR23 receivers that came before the HR24, so it’s not likely that you’ll have to worry about it for a while, unless the DVR fails.
In the future… thinking about these questions
As we move forward, you should start thinking about why you are still using an HR24 and what your options are going to be in the future. Here are some scenarios to get you started.
People who need more than 7 recording tuners or 8 screens
The most modern DIRECTV system, the Genie 2, supports recording 7 things at once and can supply TV to 8 rooms simultaneously. That may not be enough for you if you have a souped-up man cave, but it is enough for a lot of people.
Your option in this case is to upgrade to an HR54 DVR which gives you 5 recording tuners and 4 rooms of live TV by itself, and supplement with the H24 or H25 receivers which are still available. This system also supports 4K, giving you even more options.
Commercial customers
If you’re a commercial customer, you probably can’t use a DVR in most cases anyway, but there are exceptions. Commercial customers with private viewing packages to have the ability to use DVRs and in the past have used HR24 DVRs.
Right now there isn’t a plan to have a new DVR for commercial customers. That’s a very small group of customers so the return on DIRECTV’s equipment investment isn’t really there. This means that if you currently have an HR24, you should keep it. If it breaks, we can help you replace it.
RV, mobile, and marine customers
Folks who take their DIRECTV products on the road or on the water are a special group. They’re our biggest and proudest customers at Solid Signal. But, when it comes to the whole DIRECTV universe, they are a fairly small crowd. So, just like commercial customers, they aren’t necessary considered as part of the big roadmap.
Luckily, Solid Signal cares about mobile and marine customers. We’re here to help. No one else can support you like we do. We are here to make sure that you continue to get the use out of your DIRECTV HR24 DVR for as long as you choose to use it. We’re committed to making sure you’re taken care of. We want the chance to repay all the loyalty you’ve shown over the years.
Next steps for HR24 users
No matter what your next steps are going to be, the folks at Solid Signal can help. If you are ready to upgrade to Genie, we can make sure you get every discount you’re entitled to. If you are a commercial, mobile, or marine customer, let us know. We can help you with replacement equipment when and if the time comes. We have ways of working through the DIRECTV computer systems to help customers like you. If it’s possible in any way to help you keep your HR24 — and right now it very much is — we will find a way to make it happen.
Call us during East Coast business hours at 888-233-7563 and let us do the hard work for you. We can explain your options even better than this article does, and we’ll give you real white-glove service. At Solid Signal, we don’t run an overseas call center. We run a small group of trained technicians and support staff in our Novi, Michigan corporate offices. We’re here to do what it takes. We speak your language.
Call us today. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
