Can you upgrade your DIRECTV receiver?

Can You Upgrade Your DIRECTV Receiver?

There is always a time when a DIRECTV customer feels that their DIRECTV receiver should be replaced by a newer and more advanced one. Fortunately, the answer to the question is, for the most part, yes; it is possible to upgrade your existing DIRECTV receiver with a newer model. Here is a list of the few upgrade types that are available:

Replacing an Owned Receiver If you currently own your DIRECTV receiver, whether through an initial outright purchase or after fulfilling a lease, then you can simply buy a new receiver either from the company or from a retailer to replace your current receiver. DIRECTV often updates various models of receivers with better interfaces, storage space, connections and features such as voice commands. It is here that a switch to the latest generation model can offer a significant improvement.

The key things to consider are:The key things to consider are:

• Cost – the purchased receivers can be approximately ranging from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars depending on the model. HDD DVRs with a large amount of storage space and many features are the most expensive. Non-DVR receivers themselves are cheaper than the ones with DVR capability integrated. Therefore, just factor the price into your decision.

• That it can be installed by the customer himself – most modern receivers are ready for the ‘do-it-yourself’ installation. DIRECTV sends them to you and comes with guidelines as to how you can install them without having to wait for a technician. If your satellite dish is well positioned, then replacing the receiver entails merely plug and play since the dish itself does not have to be adjusted.

• Returning old leased receivers – The user should return the old leased equipment if they upgrade the receiver from DIRECTV since it has to be leased to the user. DIRECTV offers to ship back the old receiver through a prepaid box and label. Not returning can lead to fees This shows that if one fails to return a car it will attract certain fees.

  Amending a Leased Receiver Early If you are presently renting a receiver from DIRECTV and wish to upgrade before your scheduled upgrade period, you may have to pay for an early upgrade fee. This enables one to exchange for a newer model receiver immediately at a reasonable one-time charge that usually costs $25 for each of the receivers that are being upgraded. Some upgrades: must start a new 2-year agreement.

  On the same note, some customers can convince the DIRECTV retention department to waive the early upgrade fee. However this is assuming that you have had a long standing account with the company, good payment record and the ability to convince the company why it needs to supply you with the new equipment. Ideally, one should be able to have the upgrade fee done away with if it is possible to do so.

  It is imperative to understand that leased equipment from DIRECTV has to be returned once and for all when you decide to cancel the service, while owned equipment can be used for as long as you desire. Therefore, leased upgrade options are more logical to be provided to customers who could change their TV providers in the future.

  Refreshing Genie Receiver Hardware A further advance on upgrading any of your DIRECTV receivers is the rejuvenation of the client boxes that are linked to a central Genie DVR device. The Genie server has the hard drive where recordings are kept and is connected to client boxes that have access to these recordings in the house of the client. If you or your guests at the remote TV location have an older or slower Genie client, replacing it with a new HD client box will help provide better response times and a better overall experience.

  DIRECTV allows you to update Genie client hardware every 2 years in their equipment update program. Coaxial wiring present in a home when upgrading the cabling infrastructure of client boxes can normally be redeployed. Just like with the upgrades of the receivers, having updated Genie clients put in is something that customers might be able to do on their own without the need for a truck roll. DIRECTV assists customers during the self-installation process to prevent interruption or additional charges.

  Is a Professional Install recommended for the upgrade? Most of the DIRECTV receiver and client enhancement are strategically developed for DIY installation and activation but there are times when you may need to call for a professional installer. For example:

• If you require your dish to be re-positioned before proceeding with the replacement of older equipment, then a technician visit guarantees good signals to support the new equipment.

• Switching to the commercial service of DIRECTV at the working place may necessitate professional installation as well as the use of such accessories as business receivers or connectors compatible with a health care building’s coaxial wiring.

• Changing wiring or putting up TV wall mounts might run in parallel with the upgrade if it is for acquiring the DIRECTV 4K compatible equipment. This way, hiring help will make sure that all the items are connected and placed appropriately.

• Switching of equipment sometimes may warrant hiring a handyman for older customers or those who may not be comfortable climbing a ladder.

  In such kinds of circumstances where self-installation of DIRECTV guidance could be difficult, it is always advantageous to spend a bit more for professional assistance in order to boost your chance of a successful upgrade.

  Balancing the Pros and Cons of Upgrading Your DIRECTV Plan Finally, it is essential to define whether it is profitable to upgrade your DIRECTV receiver, DVR or client hardware by comparing the prospects of this action’s advantages and possible costs. While DIRECTV’s pipeline of next-generation entertainment technology grows through items like 4K-enabled boxes, faster Genie DVRs and Alexa voice integration, the upgrades do offer enhancements in your viewing experience. So, take time to go through the change log and decide whether the novelties are worth paying for to update your DIRECTV environment.