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What is the Genie Whole-Home HD DVR?

David Anders
DA
David Anders
Jan 2, 2019

The Genie Whole-Home DVR is DIRECTV’s trademark HD receiver and recorder. With the ability to record five shows at the same time and its one TB internal hard drive, the Genie is the most advanced HD DVR device ever from DIRECTV. Its whole-room DVR function lets you watch, record, delete, pause and rewind shows from any room.

The Genie primary device hooks up to your main TV, while smaller Genie Minis connect other TVs throughout your home. One Genie device is included with any of DIRECTV’s base satellite TV packages, and you can add Genie Minis for an added monthly fee per device.

What does the Genie Whole-Home HD DVR from DIRECTV do?

The Genie is a receiver and digital video recorder. With the Genie, you can:

  • Record up to 5 shows at once
  • Store up to 500 hours of content
  • Browse channels and listings from the channel guide
  • Watch 2 channels at once with Picture-in-Picture
  • Access thousands of On Demand movies and shows
  • Watch and record HD content
  • Limit access to inappropriate content with parental controls
  • Pause and rewind live TV for up to 90 minutes
  • Set your DVR from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
  • Get live sports updates without changing the channel

What are the Genie HD DVR and Genie Mini dimensions?

Dimensions and other specifications for the Genie HD DVR and Genie Mini are:

Genie HD DVR specifications

  • Dimensions
    • Width: 13.11 in, Height: 1.97 in, Depth: 9.69 in
  • Audio outputs
    • 1 Digital (coaxial), 1 Digital (optical) 1 Stereo (L/R, RCA)
  • Video outputs
    • 1 HDMI, 1 Component (YPbPr), 1 Composite (RCA)
  • Other
    • 1 Satellite In, 1 Internal RF antenna, 1 Front USB port, 1 Back USB port, 1 Ethernet port, 1 eSATA port, 1 Phone Jack, 1 AC Power Inlet Connector

Genie Mini specifications

  • Dimensions
    • Width: 8.75 in, Height: 1.25 in, Depth: 5.75 in
  • Audio and video outputs
    • 1 HDMI output
  • Other
    • 1 Satellite In, 1 Internal RF antenna, 1 Front USB port, 1 Back USB port, 1 Ethernet port, 1 eSATA port, 1 Phone Jack, 1 AC Power Inlet Connector

The Genie DVR is one of the most advanced devices available, especially compared to DVR devices offered by most cable TV providers. You can make Genie part of your entertainment experience and say goodbye to recording conflicts for good with any DIRECTV package.

Originally published 3/24/14. Last updated 12/6/18.

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