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randymetzger

Last reply Nov 29, 2015 · posted in DIRECTV General Forum

Ready to Recommit...What Equipment Should I Ask For?

I am out of contract and would like to get the best FREE equipment-upgrade-bang-for-the-buck possible if I recommit 2 more years.

Can anyone who is knowledgable about the latest gear please give me a brief summary of what equipment I should be shooting for?

I currently have:

1 - HR24-500
2 - HR21-700
1 - R16-700
Slimline-3 Dish

I want to get my equipment modernized as it is VERY slowwww!
I would really like to be able to record in one room and watch in any other room.
Is a single Genie DVR and several minis or some other combo the answer?
Is any of my current equipment is compatible or if I need it all replaced?
Does my Dish and LNB need to be upgraded or not? Would that be free if its necessary?

I have been with DirectTV for over 20 years and hopefully should get some consideration for that. Can anyone tell me what I should shoot for and what I should reasonably expect to get as a FREE upgrade.

Thanks!

12 Replies · 2080 views

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twizt3dsist3r

Nov 24, 2015

DSWM LNBs are actually being used more widespread throughout the country than you would think right now.

texasbrit

Nov 24, 2015

twizt3dkitty said:
DSWM LNBs are actually being used more widespread throughout the country than you would think right now.

I haven't seen any here in North Texas...

Zashel

Nov 25, 2015

randymetzger said:
I currently have:

1 - HR24-500
2 - HR21-700
1 - R16-700
Slimline-3 Dish

I want to get my equipment modernized as it is VERY slowwww!

I would really like to be able to record in one room and watch in any other room.

Is a single Genie DVR and several minis or some other combo the answer?

Is any of my current equipment is compatible or if I need it all replaced?

Does my Dish and LNB need to be upgraded or not? Would that be free if its necessary?

I have been with DirectTV for over 20 years and hopefully should get some consideration for that. Can anyone tell me what I should shoot for and what I should reasonably expect to get as a FREE upgrade.

Thanks!

my suggestion would be to upgrade the R16 to a genie, one of the HR21's to a mini, and when the tech comes, ask him if its possible to get the other HR21 swapped out for a HR24 because X reason (fill in the blank, or just be straight with them).

if you keep 2 DVR's + genie, then the tech will have to install a SWM16 switch. if you only keep one DVR + genie and mini's, they will have to swap out the LNB @ the dish. the general consensus is that if you can, always hold on to *at least* one non-genie receiver because if the main genie is disabled for some reason, the mini genies are also down. with a non-genie receiver at least you can still have TV some where. either way you will have a bit of shuffling around of equipment. there will not be a charge for the new equipment.

by the by, your three HR receivers are actually capable of pulling recordings from the other two, but it sounds like they are currently on the legacy system and would have to be switched over to the SWM system to do that (plus a pair of receiver decas for the pedantic). since doing that yourself can be a hassle, and D* would set up an upgrade to convert the system over, might as well get the genie for free as well.

regarding the SWM13 LNB, i would not expect that to be installed, just a nice bonus if it is.

Reactions: Jimbo

randymetzger

Nov 28, 2015

Followup-

Called DTV yesterday and they will providing the following to me as a "free" upgrade:

Replace the two HR21-700 and R16-700 with a Genie and two Genie Minis. I will keep the HR24.
$20 off my service for 2 years
New two yr agreement and half off the install fee (so I pay $25 install fee)

I have installation on 12/1 between 8-12 am, so I have the early install window.

Now the big question, how do I make sure I get the HR44 (or HR54). I hear everyone say that when the installer calls, just ask if he has the HR44 on his truck and if not reschedule. What would I tell the installer as the reason for rescheduling if he has only HR34s on his truck?

Jimbo

Nov 28, 2015

randymetzger said:
Followup-

Called DTV yesterday and they will providing the following to me as a "free" upgrade:

Replace the two HR21-700 and R16-700 with a Genie and two Genie Minis. I will keep the HR24.

$20 off my service for 2 years

New two yr agreement and half off the install fee (so I pay $25 install fee)

I have installation on 12/1 between 8-12 am, so I have the early install window.

Now the big question, how do I make sure I get the HR44 (or HR54). I hear everyone say that when the installer calls, just ask if he has the HR44 on his truck and if not reschedule. What would I tell the installer as the reason for rescheduling if he has only HR34s on his truck?

You tell him to get a 44 or you have to cancel the order. (if he doesn't have one on the truck already)

Zashel

Nov 29, 2015

Jimbo said:
You tell him to get a 44 or you have to cancel the order. (if he doesn't have one on the truck already)

its easier to reschedule your appointment when you get the automated phone call (provided its after the tech calls). duno if it connects you to a live person or not because i've never had to do it, but just say something came up and you wont be home. that why the poor soul doesnt show up and leave without getting paid at least.

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Therm

Last reply 11 minutes ago · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

I thought I would come here and find lots of complaints about the update to the dish anywhere mobile app, but am not seeing any. It used to look just like the desktop webpage. Now you can no longer filter by sports channels or movie channels. Plus that they made it look like a big button telephone and you see fewer channels in the screen which requires more scrolling. Yes I realize you can look at sports then select which sport you want to look at, I just liked being able to see all sporting events in the guide with all other channels being filtered out. Am I alone in the wilderness on this?

4 Replies · 69 views

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Juan

Today at 11:52 AM

Not alot of dish customers any more

Reactions: charlesrshell and dishstaller

Foxbat

Today at 12:12 PM

I'm not a big fan of the new layout, especially on my Apple TV. It used to look like the old Guide layout on the Hopper 3, but they changed parts of that, too.

Reactions: charlesrshell

dishstaller

Today at 12:56 PM

I really dislike change for the sake of change

Reactions: AZ. and charlesrshell

dishdude

11 minutes ago

I like the new look, it's a lot cleaner. I'm using it on one of those Onn streaming devices when I travel.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Foxbat

Supporting Founder Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply 31 minutes ago · posted in Internet Television (IPTV) Discussion Forum

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple has finally released their Apple TV 4K with built-in Siri and a microphone so it can respond to your queries even if you don't have the remote. It also increases in price, to $299. I had been planning on updating my current Apple TV 4K streamers, but that's $600 for the two of them, and that's a pass at this point.

At $299, it had better come with 256 GB of Storage, Gigabit (or better) Ethernet, the latest HDMI tech and standards, and one year of free Apple One. But it probably won't…

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K. New Siri AI and hands-free control. Stunning picture and immersive HomePod surround sound. Works with your Apple and smart home devices.

www.apple.com

17 Replies · 240 views

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Reactions: KAB, navychop, osu1991 and 1 other person

Ronnie-

Tuesday at 9:19 PM

Meh. The 4Ks I have will do everything that these do that I need them to do.

Which that's most tech these days for anything released the last four to five years.

It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.

Reactions: meStevo, comfortably_numb, b4pjoe and 1 other person

navychop

Tuesday at 9:31 PM

Ronnie- said:
It's honestly a testament to how good the previous gen Apple TVs were and are.

Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.

navychop

Yesterday at 12:55 PM

Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?

KAB

Yesterday at 7:46 PM

navychop said:
Outside of gaming, would Joe Sixpack notice any difference?

Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!

Reactions: Foxbat, slow_poke_pete and comfortably_numb

slow_poke_pete

Today at 12:08 AM

navychop said:
Don't tell them that. They'll adopt planned obsolescence.

they all do that anyways.. ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade.. :what

. apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while

ncted

Today at 8:58 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
ever notice your cell phone slows down when you come up for an upgrade

No. Makes me wonder if that is Apple or the carrier. I am on pre-paid, so I never get "an upgrade." I still have my old iPhone 11 Pro as a second line, and it runs iOS 27 just fine. My iPhone Air, which is still a current model, doesn't really seem that much faster in regular use. It is better in other ways, and worse in some ways than the 11 Pro (size), but performance really isn't a big differentiator, especially since I replaced the battery in the 11 Pro. If I had gotten enough storage when I originally bought the 11 Pro, it could still be my primary device with no issues.

ncted

Today at 9:00 AM

KAB said:
Not a bit. IMO, Apple's are slow to boot up. Time is about the same with 1st gen and 3rd. Roku runs rings around them in that department. I only reason I stuck, is the Apple infrastructure, which has it's definite advantages. But $300 is a deal breaker. Later, Apple!

Yeah, they boot up a bit slower than Roku, but the OS does a lot more, so it makes sense. How often are you booting them up that is a differentiator? Aside from OS updates, mine are on all the time. I will say the ATV4K is generally quicker than the Roku Ultras I have, when it comes to launching apps and responsiveness, not that the Roku is sluggish.

Reactions: navychop

navychop

31 minutes ago

slow_poke_pete said:
apple's been making money off of software and not hardware for a while

What software? For iPhones? I tried to buy some image s/w IN THE APPLE STORE! They had none, and could not offer ANY s/w for iPhones

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

40 minutes ago · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

This Week in Space 232

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Edq2eavsQ

Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 232
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 4 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:52 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oRVxjGm0qtE

Direct YouTube Link - Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 3 views

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TFLEV

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in TFLEV

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

Time for another AWESOME video from TFL Electric Vehicles!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyF_RH1m0mc

Direct YouTube Link - Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

0 Replies · 12 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 1:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

The Apple HomeView

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0k5iT-OlpdE

Direct YouTube Link - The Apple HomeView
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 3 views

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osu1991

Pub Member / Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:59 PM · posted in TV Shows

Frisco King - Paramount Plus

View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy

December 18, 2026 Paramount plus

2 Replies · 61 views

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Howard Simmons

Today at 11:36 AM

osu1991 said:
View: https://youtu.be/RHYQYYm5jLM?is=cwxm9t1efsWNl6yy

December 18, 2026 Paramount plus

Another Tulsa King spin off.

dishstaller

Today at 12:59 PM

Howard Simmons said:
Another Tulsa King spin off.

But.....if you like Tulsa King....looks like you would probably like this as well. I don't mind spin-offs as long as they don't involve a sassy niece who moves from the big city

TheRatPatrol

Last reply Today at 12:50 PM · posted in TV Shows

NCIS

Anyone else watch this show? Any guesses as to what was in the box Gibbs gave to Abby that was on her desk? It look liked it was glowing.

I also heard that someone was leaving the show at the end of this season. Any guesses as to who thats going to be?

2132 Replies · 214691 views

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Jimbo

Monday at 11:41 PM

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

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Jimbo

Tuesday at 6:25 PM

Jimbo said:
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BIdMzUBHvjw?feature=share

Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Reactions: Howard Simmons

Howard Simmons

Yesterday at 1:19 PM

Jimbo said:
Howard ...
You don't like Tony, or Tony as the Director (he's only been there for 30 seconds now) or you don't like NCIS ?

Tony as the director.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 2:13 PM

Howard Simmons said:
Tony as the director.

Would you rather have LaRoche ???

Reactions: Howard Simmons

dfergie

Yesterday at 4:37 PM

I liked this episode and a toned down Tony...

Reactions: Jimbo

Howard Simmons

Today at 11:30 AM

Jimbo said:
Would you rather have LaRoche ???

No. Bring in someone new.

Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

Jimbo

Today at 12:50 PM

Howard Simmons said:
No. Bring in someone new. Tony is not serious enough for me. Parker is too close to the team and Tim is too young to take over IMO.

I don't think Tim and Tony are that far apart in Age ...

Remember what Tony said to Tim when they first got back together ...
Tony said: I am the New Tony, Tim .... (something to that effect)

Tony has changed, he's been running his Security Business ... I'm sure he has grown up.

Give it time ... your judging the New Tony from the old Tony.

It sounds like Tim won't be around the Team much longer either.

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dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:43 PM · posted in Movie Talk

Trailer for new Jim Caviezel movie Ghost Soldier

Might be worth a watch when it comes out. Looks like typical big corp against the little guy movie BUT....there is a reason this plot type is so oft repeated, it draws audiences.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-f9OGsKHd4

1 Replies · 16 views

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dishstaller

Today at 12:43 PM

BTW, I noticed right after I posted this that someone else had already mentioned it....sorry for the duplicate thread. Still looking forward to seeing the movie.

meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 12:42 PM · posted in Movie Talk

Project Hail Mary

If you're going try to read / listen to the book (can't recommend the audio book enough) before this comes out, I'd avoid trailers.

Trailer below, spoiling it to make sure you read the above bold message first. The book / audio book are fantastic. Go into this blind if you can IMO!

View: https://youtu.be/m08TxIsFTRI

Kind of disappointed at how much they show. A lot still to see, but man, some good reveals in the book that are just served up here.

21 Replies · 718 views

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meStevo

Mar 20, 2026

I've seen it twice. Can't recommend the audio book enough, Ray Porter's performance is amazing and there's so much more in the book than the movie.

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Foxbat

Jul 2, 2026

"Project Hail Mary" should be on Prime Video starting Friday, July 3.

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video

Amazon has confirmed that Project Hail Mary will be coming to Prime Video.

www.ign.com

Reactions: Howard Simmons

klang

Jul 2, 2026

Forgot to comment. I did watch when it first came out on MGM. I enjoyed it a lot. I think reading the book made it easier to watch. Several friends commented it was a little hard to follow.

Reactions: Foxbat and Howard Simmons

TRG

Jul 2, 2026

"astrophage". I read the book but didn't see the film yet.

Reactions: Foxbat

Howard Simmons

Jul 3, 2026

Foxbat said:
"Project Hail Mary" should be on Prime Video starting Friday, July 3.

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video

Amazon has confirmed that Project Hail Mary will be coming to Prime Video.

www.ign.com

That's what I will be watching this weekend.

Reactions: Foxbat

klang

Sep 29, 2026

Kindle book on sale for $2.99 today at Amazon.

dishstaller

Today at 12:42 PM

meStevo said:
.........there's so much more in the book than the movie.

I agree. That can go for pretty much any book vs movie. Back when I was single I would read any Stephen King or John Grisham book I could get my hands on. When you read a book you make up the scenes and characters in your mind.....the movie version always disappoints.

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Ready to Recommit...What Equipment Should I Ask For?

Am I the only one that hates what Dish did to their mobile app?

New Apple TV 4K released, plus other Apple Home devices.

Apple TV 4K

This Week in Space 232

Tim Cook, Elton John & King Charles: A Royal Tech Event

Watch the New Tesla Roadster Jump, Fly and Barrel-Roll in Mid-Air!

The Apple HomeView

Frisco King - Paramount Plus

NCIS

Trailer for new Jim Caviezel movie Ghost Soldier

Project Hail Mary

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video

'It Is Time Go!' — Project Hail Mary Is Officially Coming to Prime Video