DIRECTVHR54 Genie Server (Newest Version)

My new HR54 is a massive upgrade in performance over my 5-year old HR34.Functionally, the HR54 pretty much plugged in where my HR34 was with no changes. I didn't even have to reprogram my Harmony remote as the IR codes are the same between the two DVR.After hooking up the HR54 identically to the HR34 it was replacing, I powered it on and waited about 5 minutes for it to come up. It then gave me an 800 number for DirecTV and the information I would need to activate it. I called DirecTV and explained to them that I had purchased a replacement for my defective HR34 from an authorized DirecTV reseller and they very quickly had me activated. There was no charge and I was not asked to sign a new contract. DirecTV said they'd send me a box so I could return my HR34 to them, free of charge.Once activated, the HR54 behaves identically to my HR34, but is far faster in most ways. Yes, changing channels is still slow. But using menus, setting up recordings, accessing the guide, scrolling through recorded shows and just about everything else is dramatically faster than the HR54.One reviewer here said the HR54 had a fuzzy picture. Mine did too, because for compatibility reasons, the DVR defaulted to displaying a 480P picture. The DVR did warn me about this during bootup. I cycled through the picture formats on the remote and changed it to 1080i and the picture is as crisp as possible.The HR54 is about half the size of my HR34 so I might even be able to rearrange some of my equipment for a "cleaner" look.One major surprise for me is that the HR54 cannot emit a 4K signal through its HDMI ports. This means you cannot hook a 4K television directly to the HR54 and then watch 4K content. Instead, DirecTV requires you to get a C61K Mini Genie and stream the 4K from the HR54 to the mini and then send it to your 4K TV over HDMI. What a klugey solution.I'm very happy with this purchase so far. Rest in peace HR34.

I love how fast this is. Very quick 30-second fast-forward and 3-second rewind. This is excellent for watching football. I called Directv support for getting it set up and it was simple.If you want to view 4K broadcasts, additional Directv hardware is required. However, this additional hardware significantly slows down the speed of the DVR. Therefore, unfortunately, I had to pass on viewing 4K broadcasts.

DIRECTV HR54 Genie Server (Newest Version)  I was a little hesitant to order this due to SWM worries on my part. I replaced an HR 34 DVR. I have two H25's on my system and a SWM-8. Worried about the channels! It works!I was a little shocked opening the package, lots of warnings about not being able to return if you open any of the interior packaging, but in there defense, they are very clear on that on Amazon, and in the box!I removed my HR 34 and connected the HR 54. The set booted up beautifully! Then gave me the note to go on line or call DIRECTV to activate it. I tried online, but because it did not buy it thru DIRECTV, it would not even give the option to try to activate it.I called DIRECTV, and told them what I wanted to do and gave my box number to her. She (Alice) told me that the number I gave her was not a DIRECTV box, but she would try, but could not promise that it would work. (Insert a little panic here.) I remained calm and let her try to track it down. I gave her the card number and she again said she would try. Then I remembered to tell her to deactivate my old box. She said ok. It took several minutes, but finally she came back and asked if my screen had changed, it did just then. She said we are successful, and have activated the box! She then went through the rest of the procedures, and ensured the remote was paired correctly, programmed for my tv and that all worked fine! It did!I then asked about my two H25's and the SWM-8, and she said "Oh those will work fine!" I asked what to do if they don't, and she said, "Just call us back and we will get it working."I rebooted both H25's and both tune channels fine and both connected with the HR 54. Not sure why, but I am not questioning it!As others have stated on here, this is a big improvement over the HR34,and truely was a simple swap out.The HR 54 has built in WIFI, so I got rid of the WIFI contraption that DIRECTV had connected to the HR 34 to get it to work.The HR 54 has a built in power inserter, I left my old power inserter connected and have no problems.This new box is much smaller, and more importantly, MUCH cooler! I no longer need the cooling fan running in my cabinet! (makes the wife happy!)So, in wrapping up, this company Reider Electronics, is legit. The box was brand new, activated fine, (just remain calm with DIRECTV.)I hemmed and hawed for six months on if I should buy this. I am so glad I did!BTW, no mention from DIRECTV about having to add a two year contract.BTW2, I called DIRECTV back to ask if I had to return the old HR 34. They said YES! They are sending me a shipping box to return it in. So, if you buy this, ask about returning the old box while activating. Otherwise, I don't think they would have sent it! Be mindful that DIRECTV charges $139 for not returning a box within 7 days!

This DVR works intermittently, making it about useless. We cannot deal with DirecTv directly at our condo complex, since DirecTv has sub-contracted all service work to a company called Access Media. They are impossible to deal with, and you can expect to be on hold for between 30 and 80 minutes before you can talk to the customer service department. They will give you firm service dates, then just not show up.It gets worse than this. The DirecTV sub-contractor has sub-contracted to another company, so we are dealing with two levels of sub-contractors below the DirecTV company.Stay away from DirecTv and their sub-contractors of sub-contractors.