A new software version will be released for all DIRECTV Genie models starting late-August 2017. The download will take approximately three weeks to complete a national rollout, and includes several technician-impacting changes related to the Internet connection process for Genies.
Genie Internet Connection Guidance Changing
In an effort to improve the reliability of the in-home Internet connection for DIRECTV customers, an Ethernet connection is now the preferred method of connecting to the Internet for all Genie models (except the H44) in all situations. That means if the option is available, technicians should choose to connect these Genie models via a hard-wired Ethernet connection instead of utilizing a wireless connection or a Broadband DECA. This guidance does not apply to the H44 model as it does not have an Ethernet port.
Now, when the Internet connection setup process is initiated on eligible Genie models, a new “Connect Ethernet Cable” screen will display that places an Ethernet connection as the best choice for connecting to the Internet. The screen still gives the option of connecting wirelessly, and a Broadband DECA can still be used, but those options should be considered secondary to establishing a hard-wired connection.
Note that if a Broadband DECA is used, these Genie models will now automatically connect to the internet, bypassing the usual “Connect Now” Internet connection setup screens.
Internet Connection Process Improvements (HR44 and Above Models)
A number of other enhancements have been made to the Internet connection process that will improve the experience for technicians and customers.
Optimize Network Instructions
Once an Internet connection has been established, the “Internet Setup Successful” screen will display with a new feature: a speedometer. This tool provides an easy-to-understand indicator of the customer’s home Internet speed and how it relates to consuming content via the DIRECTV system.
If the speedometer falls below the 4K mark (speeds necessary to stream 4K content), an Optimize Network button will become available. Selecting it will bring the user to the new “Optimize Your Network” screen, which provides information on how to potentially improve home Internet speeds. The guidance on this screen will change depending on whether the Genie system is utilizing a wired or wireless Internet connection.
Speed Test
If a user needs to manually check the home Internet speed outside of the initial Internet connection process, they can now do so by selecting the new speed test option. To do so, navigate the following DIRECTV system menu path: Menu button on DIRECTV remote > Settings & Help > Settings > Internet Setup. From that screen, select Speed Test. This rechecks the home Internet connection, and then brings the user to the “Internet Setup Successful” screen mentioned above where the speedometer displays the quality of the connection.
On-screen Keyboard
When utilizing a wireless connection for the Genie system, the “Enter Password” screen displays so that the user can enter the credentials for the appropriate Wi-Fi network. This screen now features a keyboard that includes the ability to toggle capital letters on/off and enter special symbols, making it easier to enter complex passwords via the DIRECTV remote.
Enhancements have also been made so that pressing the right (>) key on the DIRECTV remote moves the on-screen cursor from the keypad to the Continue button. Previously, this key selection entered a space in the password and caused incorrect password entries.
4K Channels Exposed and 4K VOD Homepage Moved
4K broadcast channels (104-106) will now display in the DIRECTV guide for all Genie models, not just those capable of passing live 4K content to a 4K client. If a user attempts to access or record live 4K content without the proper equipment, the below screen will display to offer the user more info on DIRECTV 4K and how to get activated.
The VOD Home Page for 4K has also been moved to channel 1104 so that it corresponds with the main broadcast 4K channel 104.
Various OSD Changes
A number of Internet connection-related OSDs have been updated with more precise language to better clarify the actions the DIRECTV system is taking and the options available to the user.
Genie Internet Connection Guidance Changing
In an effort to improve the reliability of the in-home Internet connection for DIRECTV customers, an Ethernet connection is now the preferred method of connecting to the Internet for all Genie models (except the H44) in all situations. That means if the option is available, technicians should choose to connect these Genie models via a hard-wired Ethernet connection instead of utilizing a wireless connection or a Broadband DECA. This guidance does not apply to the H44 model as it does not have an Ethernet port.
Now, when the Internet connection setup process is initiated on eligible Genie models, a new “Connect Ethernet Cable” screen will display that places an Ethernet connection as the best choice for connecting to the Internet. The screen still gives the option of connecting wirelessly, and a Broadband DECA can still be used, but those options should be considered secondary to establishing a hard-wired connection.
Note that if a Broadband DECA is used, these Genie models will now automatically connect to the internet, bypassing the usual “Connect Now” Internet connection setup screens.
Internet Connection Process Improvements (HR44 and Above Models)
A number of other enhancements have been made to the Internet connection process that will improve the experience for technicians and customers.
Optimize Network Instructions
Once an Internet connection has been established, the “Internet Setup Successful” screen will display with a new feature: a speedometer. This tool provides an easy-to-understand indicator of the customer’s home Internet speed and how it relates to consuming content via the DIRECTV system.
If the speedometer falls below the 4K mark (speeds necessary to stream 4K content), an Optimize Network button will become available. Selecting it will bring the user to the new “Optimize Your Network” screen, which provides information on how to potentially improve home Internet speeds. The guidance on this screen will change depending on whether the Genie system is utilizing a wired or wireless Internet connection.
Speed Test
If a user needs to manually check the home Internet speed outside of the initial Internet connection process, they can now do so by selecting the new speed test option. To do so, navigate the following DIRECTV system menu path: Menu button on DIRECTV remote > Settings & Help > Settings > Internet Setup. From that screen, select Speed Test. This rechecks the home Internet connection, and then brings the user to the “Internet Setup Successful” screen mentioned above where the speedometer displays the quality of the connection.
On-screen Keyboard
When utilizing a wireless connection for the Genie system, the “Enter Password” screen displays so that the user can enter the credentials for the appropriate Wi-Fi network. This screen now features a keyboard that includes the ability to toggle capital letters on/off and enter special symbols, making it easier to enter complex passwords via the DIRECTV remote.
Enhancements have also been made so that pressing the right (>) key on the DIRECTV remote moves the on-screen cursor from the keypad to the Continue button. Previously, this key selection entered a space in the password and caused incorrect password entries.
4K Channels Exposed and 4K VOD Homepage Moved
4K broadcast channels (104-106) will now display in the DIRECTV guide for all Genie models, not just those capable of passing live 4K content to a 4K client. If a user attempts to access or record live 4K content without the proper equipment, the below screen will display to offer the user more info on DIRECTV 4K and how to get activated.
The VOD Home Page for 4K has also been moved to channel 1104 so that it corresponds with the main broadcast 4K channel 104.
Various OSD Changes
A number of Internet connection-related OSDs have been updated with more precise language to better clarify the actions the DIRECTV system is taking and the options available to the user.
