What kind of receiver does DIRECTV use?

DIRECTV is a well-known company that offers satellite television services in the United States and has millions of customers across the nation. Directv is a satellite television service provider and when you want to subscribe to it, you have to have a satellite receiver that will enable you to tune into the satellite signal and get your programs. But what is a DIRECTV receiver and what types of receivers exist?

The simplest kind of receiver that is provided by DIRECTV is a standard receiver. This enables the user to have the basic programming packages and channels of DIRECTV. The standard receiver is often a small, simple box that is connected to a television through SCART or RCA cables, or an HDMI port. It has features such as remote control and power, channel up/down, guide, record, and Directv On Demand.

The next level above a standard receiver is a DIRECTV HD receiver. Serving as the name suggests, this receiver offers means through which you can watch HD programming from DIRECTV. The HD receiver can be connected with an HDTV through HDMI and it has the capability of handling video resolution of up to 1080p. And if you have a high-definition TV, you will need the HD receiver to enjoy the benefits of the HD channels provided by DIRECTV and have the best picture quality.

HD DVR receivers are also available for those requiring more enhanced features from their DIRECTV system. These have all the features of the HD receiver but also allow you to record live TV on a hard disk drive that is housed within the receiver. DIRECTV HD DVRs record as much as 200 hours of standard definition programming or 100 hours of high definition television programs. This lets you schedule programmes to record so you can watch them later and ‘time shift’ through live TV.

The latest generation of receivers from the DIRECTV company is the Genie series. The Genie receivers have the best features and receiving capabilities available in the market. For instance, the HR54 Genie server is responsible for handling the numerous client boxes in various rooms. This enables you to keep all your DVR recorded programmes in one place and be easily accessible from the house. The clients include the likes of C61 Genie mini, which are connected to the main Genie server.

Another advanced receiver is the DIRECTV 4K Genie Mini. Of course, you might be able to guess from the name of this receiver, this one enables you to watch ultra HD 4K resolution content from DIRECTV, but only if you also have a 4K TV. As and when there is more 4K programming that is available on DIRECTV, the 4K Genie Mini will be primed to show it.

Whole Home DVR is also available in many of DIRECTV’s receivers. This is the version that DIRECTV has for a centralized DVR storage and which enable you to watch recorded programs at any of the TVs in your home. Whole Home DVR is powered by the HR54 Genie server when connected to Genie minis, as was discussed earlier. However, that means that even without the Genie setup, you can couple any of the HD DVR and non-DVR receivers and still swap and share your recordings.

That outlines almost all the major brands of the DIRECTV satellite receivers. There is a variety of them starting from the basic standard definition receiver up to the 4K Genie Mini. Upon subscribing to the DIRECTV services, the client will be provided with a least one receiver to enable him or her to begin watching programs. Sometimes, you can pay extra for additional features like high-definition or digital video recorder options. And if you need additional receivers for the other TVs, it will cost a one-time lease fee or a few dollars more per month.

Also of interest is the fact that there are differences between current DIRECTV receivers and those of a few years ago due to advancements in technology. This means that if you are a long-term customer, then you might need to switch to better equipment. Certain older DIRECTV receivers are not capable of functioning with advanced technology that is used to transmit current programming. For instance, the change of technology a few years back through the phaseout of MPEG2 broadcast standard rendered older sets unsuitable.

In the case of receiving new equipment for the DIRECTV they offer you with the newest generation receivers. It also helps you know that you will continue to receive all the available programming for the next few years without having any problem. The Genie series is the newest receiver platform by DIRECTV. It leverages the latest satellite and video compression technologies with hardware that is future-proofed.

Another factor to bear in mind is connectivity, particularly in relation to the internet. DIRECTV traditional programming is delivered through satellite dish linked with receivers to the house. However, an internet connection will make it possible for your receivers to turn on other features. For instance, you can stream thousands of movies from Netflix and other streaming services. Internet-connected receivers also enable you to purchase and view On Demand programming without requiring a phone line.

To recap, here are some of the most common receiver types available from DIRECTV:To recap, here are some of the most common receiver types available from DIRECTV:

• Standard receiver – Entry level SD programming • Receiver HD – view HD channels • HD DVR – Record programs and watch them at will • Genie server and minis – A single device for whole home DVR. • 4K Genie Mini – Enjoy 4K Ultra HD content

Therefore, no matter what your home television inventory looks like today, whether one fabulous HDTV or several 4K TVs, DIRECTV has the perfect set of receivers for it. Their lineup provides you with the freedom of how you can view the DIRECTV satellite programmes. Consult with a DIRECTV sales representative on which receivers would be suitable for you depending on your requirements and pocket. You can also get a better one later on as the technology in TV and DIRECTV continues to advance.