What is the difference between DIRECTV Genie 1 and 2?

DIRECTV Genie 1 vs Genie 2: What are the differences?

DIRECTV has two primary DVR (digital video recorder) solutions – the Genie 1 and the Genie 2. Both enable users to record more than one show simultaneously and view recorded content on connected TVs; however, there are disparities in the hardware components, features, and performance. This guide compares Genie 1 and Genie 2.

Genie 1 Overview

DIRECTV Genie 1 or HR34 was first released in 2012 and was considered as the most innovative DVR platform by the company. This enabled customers to link up to 3 TVs in the home and arrived with a 1TB hard drive for recording 200 hours of HD content.

Some of the main specs and features of Genie 1 are:Some of the main specs and features of Genie 1 are:

• Allows recording up to 5 shows at once

• Allows up to 3 TVs to be connected in the home

• The following are the specifications of the computer: • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64 bit • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-10510U CPU @ 1. 80GHz • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 Memory • HDD: 1 TB hard drive

• 200 hours of high definition recording or 800 hours of standard definition recording.

• Works with DIRECTV’s Whole-Home DVR offering

• Support of Full HD video and Dolby Digital Plus audio

• Easily concealed or integrated into a system’s architecture

  So in a nutshell, the Genie 1 provided DIRECTV customers with a significant improvement in DVR capabilities than with the prior non-HD DIRECTV DVRs. It introduced significant features such as Whole-Home compatibility, five-tuner capability for recording at the same time and greatly increased capacity.

  Genie 2 Overview

  DIRECTV’s new generation of DVR came in the year 2016, known as Genie 2. Known also as HR54, the Genie 2 was an improvement over the original, with some additional features added in.

  Here are some of the headline Genie 2 specs and features:Here are some of the headline Genie 2 specs and features:

• It can store up to 7 shows at the same time

• It is used to connect up to 4 TVs in the home.

• 1TB HDD included

• 200 hours of HD recording or 800 hours of Standard Definition recording capability

• With the inherent support for 4K and HD video.

• Whole-Home DVR compatibility

• Miniature, low profile hardware solution

  Thus in general, Genie 2 enhanced an opportunity to have 7 tuners for getting more programs simultaneously, integrated 4K Ultra HD, and allowed connecting one more TV than in Genie 1.

  Comparison of the specifications and characteristics of the two devices

  Now let's compare some of the key specs and attributes of the Genie 1 and Genie 2 head-to-head:Now let's compare some of the key specs and attributes of the Genie 1 and Genie 2 head-to-head:

  Recording Tuners Genie 1 = 5 Genie 2 = 7

  The two extra tuners in the Genie 2 enable the recording of other shows simultaneously. This assists in avoiding cases of recording interference.

  TV Connections Genie 1 = Up to 3 TVs Genie 2 = Up to 4 TVs

  You can add one more TV to the Genie 2 over Genie 1. Ideal for larger homes.

  Hard Drive Capacity Genie 1 = 1TB Genie 2 = 1TB

  Both have a built-in DIRECTV hard drive of 1TB. However, the capacity of both is expandable by connecting external hard disks on it.

  Recording Hours Genie 1 = 200 hours HD Genie 2 = 200 hours Hi Def

  Bow here all recording hours built-in are equal. However, an increase in capacity is as much when external drives are connected.

  Video Resolutions Genie 1 = HD Genie 2 = 4K & HD

  A major difference. Built-in into the Genie 2 hardware are 4K streaming and recording capabilities. To get Ultra HD, you require the Genie 2.

  Audio Support Genie 1 = Dolby Digital Plus Genie 2 = Dolby Digital Plus

  As for the audio, there is no significant difference in the performance of the two systems. Both offer Dolby sound.

  Accessories Compatibility Genie 1 = Majority of the DIRECTV tuner boxes Genie 2 = Same accessories

  A victory for the Genie 2 – it supports all the same DIRECTV tuner boxes, wireless clients, etc. , The change does not affect this.

  Hardware Design Genie 1 = Small, inconspicuous Genie 2 = Small, unobtrusive

  DIRECTV has kept sleek design with both DVRs. It can also be easily placed either in your entertainment center.

  Summary and Verdict

  Based on our observations, the Genie 2 delivers a better experience for the majority of DIRECTV clients comparing to the first-generation Genie equipment. The primary upgrade benefits, therefore, are 4K compatibility, increased recording capability with 7 tuners, and the ability to connect one more television. As for other aspects, recording hours, recording audio, compatibility with existing Whole-Home and DIRECTV environments are quite similar or at least equally comparable.

  Thus, the current owners of Genie 1 get a noteworthy improvement with Genie 2 at a cost of sacrificing slightly more. And additional new DIRECTV subscribers are located with Genie 2, if it is available, especially those with the 4K TVs or those who have big houses and need more capabilities of the DVR. As long as Genie 1 stays proficient, Genie 2 offers measurable improvements that illustrate why DIRECTV is in the cutting edge of DVR technology and advancements.