I've done lots of installs incorporating HR-24's, H-24's and H-25's controlled via USB RS232 and IR and have used the now "Legacy" RF remotes for inexpensive multi-device control in bedrooms and secondary locations with good success. Thus far, I've not dealt with a Genie installation, but based on a current client's experience, DirecTV is making it difficult to do anything else. In his case, it's a difference of $780 dollars on the front end to use traditional HR-24's/H-24's and H-25's with whole-house DVR service vs. a Genie setup with clients!?!

I based several aspects of my client's project [designed and specified nearly a year ago] on using traditional receivers and DVR's with DirecTV RF remotes in certain locations, along with RTI control of the theater room DVR via USB RS232. He's willing to go with the original plan despite the comparatively high up-front buy-in, but I'm wondering if I can make the Genie work and save him some money.

I've seen lots of traffic regarding third party control issues with the Genie clients and limitations of the included client RF remotes, especially as concerns controlling third party devices.

Can anyone share experience with the following:

1) Relative "programmability" of the Genie RF remotes for controlling TV's and DVD players...How do they compare with the "Legacy" RF remotes?
2) USB-based RS232 controllability of the Genie head-end DVR [HR-34?]...Do normal RS232 command libraries and channel direct codes work? Is it stable?
3) Wiring to Genie head-end...How many coax runs go to this unit? I have two available at the installation location.

TIA

1) Other than TV's, I don't know about other 3rd party devices i.e. DVD's, etc. But, TV control has been very good with name brand sets. The RF is way better IMO as every single one of these new remotes actually works via RF. With the legacy remotes, we could only get theme to operate via RF half the time. If that.

2) 232 control via USB on the Genie is the same as the HR34.

3) A single coax - SWiM - is all it takes. Dish > power inserter > splitter > out to receivers.

Something to be aware of is the fact that a Genie + 4 client system, will only allow 3 clients to be viewed at the same time. When a 4th client is turned on, a message pops up asking you to turn off one of the other clients.

And not asked but relevant, surprisingly, the wireless clients (the DirecTV no-wire commercials) have been very stable. They operate on 5Ghz transmitted from a cheaply built WAP-type transmitter. We have 20 wireless boxes out there and not one has fallen off yet - to our knowledge.
 

Excellent info IRKiller. One follow-up...If a household required 5+ simultaneous viewing locations, does DirecTV install 2 Genie systems or are they back to a standard DVR and Receivers implementation...? Or can a Genie w/clients coexist on a switch with additional receivers and DVR's?

TIA

Yes, a Genie + client system can coexist with other HD DVR's and any other SWM receiver. We just wrapped a Genie + 4 client + 2 X H25 system.

In light of the 'only 3 clients can be viewed simultaneously thing', our new thinking is to do systems with Genie's and 3 clients (max) then H25's past that. It's kind of strange, the HXX's act as their own tuner box AND if whole home service is activated, will still allow you to pull recorded shows off the Genie. (like a client)

I just noticed this and my above answer could be deceiving. "Switch with additional receivers and DVR's" could imply older non-SWM equipment with newer Genie gear. Which is not possible. I was referring to ALL new SWM equipment.

OK--That makes sense. In that case, you'd need a SWM16 head end to accommodate that many tuners plus DECA, correct?

Correct for up to 16 tuners.

Excellent-Thanks guys. I can suggest a hybrid setup in this case and save the client about $400.

But bill him $300 for finding out the answer. Research time, unless you like working for free.

Damn I sound like Ed.

If you need more than 16 tuners,you can install a second swm16 for a total of 32 with a few additional parts in case it comes up.

correct, but keep in mind, the 16 tuners on SWM 1 will not see the 16 tuners on SWM 2

Hybrid setups work pretty well.

Put Genie clients in less used rooms, server and non Genie DVRs in more mission critical areas.

Other then a couple of client resets, the system is pretty stable.
I have a Genie server, 2 clients and 3 older HDDVRs in my system at home. All share playlists with almost no issues.
To the end user it just looks like one giant playlist. No need to select specific dvrs.

As far as the genie remotes. They are RF. Work OK, I am not liking the revised layout. Most (if not all) of the tv power commands in the database are toggles so it is possible to get the tv and client out of sequence. If that happens, channel up works as a quasi discrete power command for the clients.

Good info on the discrete power codes on Genie remotes.

One clarification: The H25 has been mentioned as the go-to receiver to work as s supplemental client to the Genie server. Will the H24 [slightly larger version of H25 with integral RF antenna] also work?

TIA

I was able to verify elsewhere that either H24's or H25's will work with a Genie DVR in the manner discussed above.

Yes 24 and 25 will work as described. The 24 is a MUCH better receiver. I hate the 25