HR54 - 4K Genie FIRST LOOK

DIRECTV is excited to announce the launch of our newest Genie server, the HR54! The HR54 continues to deliver our exceptional Genie technology to customers, while featuring a fresh, sleek design. Field trial of the HR54 will encompass all locations supported by our Georgia Kuehne & Nagel distribution center. These sites will begin receiving HR54s in mid-November, and it will be available for installation beginning on November 15, assuming all other Genie server inventory has been depleted as per FIFO (first-in, first-out). There are no new offers related to this newest Genie server.

Because the HR54 installation process is similar to that of other Genie servers, we anticipate that technicians should be able to seamlessly transition to using the HR54 with minimal training. Once sites have received their HR54 inventory and technicians have reviewed this job aid, technicians can use the HR54 on any Genie orders received beginning on November 15 once sites have worked through existing inventory per the above FIFO guidance. Additional information on the HR54 can be found on the DOCK (keyword “HR54?).

Differences between the HR44 and HR54 include:

1. As part of its sleeker design, the HR54 features no front-panel buttons aside from the Power button.
   • Screen resolution will need to be adjusted using the remote.
   • In rare instances where the remote has lost its pairing to the TV, the remote will need to be reset to IR mode. Information on how to do this is posted on the DOCK (keyword “Unpairing RF Mode”).
2. Much like current Genie clients, the only video out options on the HR54 involve the HDMI or the 10-pin to Component/Composite cables.
3. Unlike the HR34 and HR44, the HR54 does not have a phone jack. Similar to the H44, technicians are encouraged to use the HR54’s internal WiFi DECA or an external Broadband DECA to connect customers to the Internet.

As with the H44, the HR54 contains a built-in SWiM Power Inserter, so if the installation does not contain any SWiM modules, an external SWiM Power Inserter is not needed.

• In cases where customers are upgrading to an HR54 and do not have or need a SWiM module installed, technicians should remove any existing Power Inserters and return to their warehouse. It is important to trace the SWiM power path and ensure that power can reach the LNB through the power-passing port on any SWiM splitters.
• However, if the household does have or need a SWiM module, it is imperative that technicians trace the SWiM power path when performing their site survey and connect the HR54 to non-power-passing ports on any SWiM splitters. Technicians can use a Volt-Ohm meter to test for any voltage in line with the SWiM module.

Please consult the DOCK (keyword “HR54?) for additional information and diagrams that illustrate the proper power-path when installing an HR54 in a home that has a SWiM module.

Field feedback is crucial when rolling out a new product to identify possible issues. Should technicians encounter any problems with the HR54, we ask that they inform their site leadership and please submit a detailed FPR, according to current practices today. We greatly appreciate technicians taking the time to provide valuable information that can help us identify any problems.

Some sites may continue to receive a mix of HR54s, HR44s and HR34s and do not need to prioritize the use of the HR54s.

The HR54 receiver is a more cost-effective Genie model that shares many of the same features of the HR44, such as

• a built-in Wi-Fi DECA that allows the customer to connect to the internet with no additional equipment
• support of up to eight clients (wired, wireless and RVU)
• and support of up to three active simultaneous streams
• The HR54 server also provides five tuners, that includes 1 network tuner.

HR54: Differences from the HR44
The HR54 does have several key differences when compared to the HR44. On the outside of the receiver you’ll notice that the HR54 does not have front panel control buttons, though Power On and Record LEDs are included. You’ll also notice that the access card and reset button are located on the side of the receiver. On the back of the receiver, you’ll notice that the phone jack has been removed. Because this will impact a customer’s ability to purchase PPV, it makes it even more important to make a broadband connection. On the inside of the receiver there are also several important differences from the HR44. The HR54 is our first 4K live capable IRD – that along with additional hardware will support pass-through of both 4K VOD and 4K live programming on 4K clients. This allows us to begin future-proofing our potential 4K live customers with the hardware they’ll need once 4K live is launched. Another important difference from the HR44 is that the HR54 contains an internal 21V SWiM power supply – just like the H44 Genie Lite.

HR54: Important Reminders

There are a few important things you must keep in mind when installing an HR54. With the inclusion of the internal 21V SWiM power supply, the same power path considerations apply. This includes ensuring that power does not reach a SWiM module. It’s also important to keep in mind that when the HR54 is used with a SWiM module, an external 29V power inserter IS required. Unlike the H44, you may see a Power Inserter OLI on an HR54 work order. So when you’re installing an HR54 and you see this OLI, be sure to delete it.

The HR54 represents a cost-effective, future-proof and future-ready Genie HDDVR that will provide the best customer experience possible for our subscribers.

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DirecTV has begun drop shipping these receivers to replace the H44 for customers that wish to have the ability to record content as the external hard drive supplies are being depleted. While the HR54 stock may not arrive at your sites until laterthis year, Technicians may encounter these new receivers in the field.

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