Transitioning from HD to 4K TV Service on the DIRECTV
Purchasing a 4K TV is becoming cheaper and common as costs reduce and the technology becomes enhanced. A 4k television offers you a clearer picture with more vibrant colors and nuances than a normal HDTV. But you also need a 4K signal to fully enjoy your new 4K TV set, even though it is perfectly capable of displaying 1080p content. If you want to watch stunning 4K content, it is possible to do so by getting a new package with DIRECTV. But how much will it cost to switch to 4K TV service on DIRECTV? Here are the facts.
What Equipment is Required for 4K from DIRECTV?
To get 4K content from DIRECTV, you’ll need:To get 4K content from DIRECTV, you’ll need:
A 4K TV – Yes, as elementary as it sounds, you do require an original 4K ultra HDTV in the first place to even consider the upgraded DIRECTV. Always check that your 4K TV is among the models that have been certified to work with DIRECTV after being tested by the company.
A DIRECTV Genie HD DVR – The current Genie models by DIRECTV support 4K content and services. That means you will require one of these advanced DVR receivers from DIRECTV.
DIRECTV 4K Ready Client Boxes – Besides the main Genie DVR, you need an additional DIRECTV 4K Ready client box for every other TV that you want to watch 4K content on.
Thus, at the very least, you require a compatible 4K TV, a Genie HD DVR and one 4K client box. In a multi-TV home, you would require extra 4K client boxes for each of the 4K TV sets in the house.
Which DIRECTV Packages Provide 4K TV?
To access 4K content on DIRECTV, you’ll need:To access 4K content on DIRECTV, you’ll need:
DIRECTV PREMIERTM Package or Above – One needs Direct television with a PREMIER package or a higher package to access 4K content. Thus, before you can access all these features, you will have to sign up for at least the $139. 99/mo PREMIER plan.
HD Service – You also need to have DIRECTV HD service which is available to PREMIER and above packages at no additional cost.
DVR Service – 4K DIRECTV requires a High-Definition Digital Video Recorder, which costs $10 per month.
4K GENIE Mini Clients – Those additional 4K client boxes entail additional receiver charges of $7 per month per box.
So at a minimum, you need the PREMIER plan, plus the HD and DVR service. Those packages immediately enable you to access 4K content from DIRECTV if you have the right equipment.
What is the cost that DIRECTV uses to upgrade to 4K?
If you’re already a DIRECTV customer, here are the likely upgrade fees you can expect:If you’re already a DIRECTV customer, here are the likely upgrade fees you can expect:
DIRECTV Genie HD DVR — $0 or $99 Upgrade Fee Included at no additional cost, new DIRECTV customers receive the Genie DVR. Upgrading existing customers may just replace the DVR and receivers without any additional cost. Or you may need to pay $99 for upgrading to the new equipment depending on your account type.
4K Client Boxes – $7 Monthly Receiver Fee Per Box You will be charged the $7 monthly service fee for each 4K Genie Mini added to your account. Thus for instance if two client boxes are provided, then the charges for additional receiver fees will amount to fourteen dollars each month.
Technician Install Fee- $49 or free installation In case of equipment change, the cost depends on change’s complexity and the customer’s status in the form of a loyal DIRECTV customer; the pro install fee is $49. Or perhaps, you might receive a lower price, especially if you plan to install the item yourself.
PREMIER Package: change from $0 to $60+ per month. If you are signing up now and have CHOICE or lower packages, moving to the required PREMIER plan means paying an additional $60 or more monthly for the better package.
So all said, here are your likely minimum upgrade costs:So all said, here are your likely minimum upgrade costs:
$0 to $99 – Genie HD DVR Upgrade Fee $7/month per box – 4K Client Receiver Fee Amount: $0-$49 – Installation Fee $0 to $60+ Package Upgrade Fee
, of course, taxes and other fees also apply. And that doesn’t even include the cost of new 4K devices should one be required in your home. However, in most cases adding 4K capabilities through DIRECTV does not entail a significant investment, at least.
Is it Worth to Upgrade to 4K from DIRECTV?
The price that consumers pay to upgrade their DIRECTV service to 4K compatibility therefore depends on the amount of value it holds. The monthly equipment and package upgrade fees can be expensive. Still, you get the ultra HD clarity, the high quality imagery and the additional opportunities in terms of entertainment that are worth the extra money for many of the subscribers.
And it is my conclusion that paying some upgrade fees is actually not that costly when you consider the price of purchasing the new 4K smart TV alone. Therefore, compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks in relation to your budget preference to determine if better picture quality is a worthy investment. Even when bundled with other services as well, DIRECTV is still fairly reasonable overall for very affordable prices when it comes to premium entertainment.