Steps to connect the DIRECTV Genie HD DVR to the TV.

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Follow the steps below to connect the DIRECTV Genie to the TV.

1. Connect the DIRECTV Genie™ HD DVR to the main TV.

   1. Power on the TV using the TV remote control.
   2. Connect the HDMI cable to the Genie HD DVR and the main TV.
   3. Set the TV to the input being used .
2. Connect the DIRECTV Genie HD DVR to other TVs. (Optional)

   • If you are using a DIRECTV® Ready TV.

     NOTES:

     • The DIRECTV Ready TV also known as receiver-less TV allows additional TV in your Genie HD DVR system to enjoy a full HD DVR experience without the use of additional receivers.
     • To activate the new DIRECTV service for your Sony® TV, call the DIRECTV Customer Care at 800-531-5000 to schedule a professional installation.
     • Make sure the DIRECTV Ready TV has the latest system software update  installed. Downloads are posted on your model support page.
     • A separate article about a DIRECTV Ready TV  is available.

     1. Connect the DIRECTV Ready TV and the Genie HD DVR to an access point using an ethernet cable.

        IMPORTANT: If it is not possible to directly connect the Sony TV and Genie HD DVR to an access point because of its location, use one of the options below.

        • Use a powerline adapter .
        • Use a wireless bridge .
        • Use a DECA Broadband device. Contact DIRECTV for the DECA device if needed.

          

     2. Go to the room where the DIRECTV Ready TV is located. Then, press the HOME button on the supplied TV remote control.
     3. On the HOME screen, select Apps.
     4. Under the Apps category, select DIRECTV Ready.

        NOTES:

        • The message Retrieve PIN appears on the TV screen.
        • The PIN is retrieved from the Genie HD DVR connected to the non DIRECTV Ready TV.
        • The PIN will be entered to the DIRECTV Ready TV which in this case is the Sony TV.
     5. Go to the room where the Genie HD DVR is located, and begin the Add a Client guided setup.

        How to retrieve the PIN.

        1. Turn on the non DIRECTV Ready TV and the DIRECTV Genie.
        2. On the remote control supplied with the DIRECTV Genie, press the Menu button.
        3. Select Settings & Help.
        4. Select Settings.
        5. Select Whole-Home.
        6. Select Manage Client
        7. Select Add a Client.

           NOTE: Write down the PIN that appears on the screen.

     6. Return to the room where DIRECTV Ready TV is located and an Enter PIN screen will appear.
     7. Enter the PIN.

        NOTES:

        • After the PIN is entered, DIRECTV programming will be made available.
        • If you experience technical difficulties while trying to complete any of the steps above, check all connections to ensure they are installed properly.
        • DIRECTV Ready TVs require a wired Internet connection. Check the TV settings to verify network connection method is set to Wired and not Wireless.

   • If you are using a non DIRECTV Ready TV.

     TVs that are not DIRECTV Ready must be connected to a Genie Mini set-top box in order to enjoy all the benefits of the Genie HD DVR. The Genie Mini set-top box is supplied by DIRECTV. Visit the DIRECTV support website for more information.

     • If you have a Wireless Genie Mini client (C41W)

       Follow the steps below to setup the Wireless Genie Mini to the TV.

       1. Connect the Wireless Genie Mini to the non-DIRECTV ready TV.
          1. Connect the Wireless Genie Mini client to your TV using an HDMI cable.

             NOTE: Connect the HDMI cable from the HDMI output jack of the Wireless Genie Mini to the HDMI input jack of the TV.

          2. Set the TV to the input being used.

             NOTE: If you are using a standard-definition TV, connect the 10-pin to composite cable dongle or 10-pin to component dongle cable to the Wireless Genie Mini and the AV or component cables to composite or component input of the TV.

          3. Plug the power cord of the Wireless Genie Mini and the TV to a working outlet or a power surge protector.
          4. Power on the TV and the Wireless Genie Mini.

       2. Install the Wireless Video Bridge and pair the Wireless Genie Mini client to the Genie HD DVR server.

          1. Connect the Wireless Video Bridge to the SWM splitter, within 80 ft. of where the Wireless Genie Mini is located.

             NOTE: Connect a separate coaxial cord from the SWM splitter to the Genie HD DVR server (HR44). If the coaxial cord does not reach the Genie HD DVR server, uncap the second coaxial port on the Wireless Video Bridge and connect the coaxial cord from the Wireless Video Bridge to the Genie HD DVR.

          2. Power on the Wireless Video Bridge and wait until a blue solid light appears.

             

          3. Wait for the boot up screen to appear. Then, go to the room where the Genie HD DVR server is located, and power up the Genie HD DVR server.

             

          4. In the room where the Genie HD DVR server is located, begin the Add a client guided setup.

             1. Using the remote control of the Genie HD DVR, press the MENU button.
             2. Select Settings&Help.
             3. Select Settings.
             4. Select Whole-Home.
             5. Select Manage Client.
             6. Select Add a client.
          5. Take note of the PIN that appears on the TV connected to the Genie HD DVR.
          6. After selecting Add a client on the Genie HD DVR server, select Continue to pair this client or the Wireless Genie Mini with the Wireless Video Bridge.

             

             NOTES:

             • Wait two minutes or until the LEDs on the Wireless Video Bridge blink green or blue.
             • Confirm that the Wireless Signal Strength icon displays three GREEN bars (as what is shown in the image above).
             • Confirm that the LED light on the front of the Wireless Genie Mini is GREEN.
          7. Select Connect Now.
          8. Wait for the Attempting to connect to video bridge message, then go to the room where the Wireless Genie Mini client is located.

             

          9. After the connection countdown, enter the PIN on the Wireless Genie Mini client.

             

          10. Using the Genie HD DVR remote control, select Add new location.

              NOTE: The newly added Wireless Genie Mini may display a flashing red LED and a flashing gray screen during the setup.

          11. Go back to the room where the Genie HD DVR server is located and on the Add a client screen, select DONE.

              NOTE: A momentary signal interruption on the TV connected to the Wireless Genie Mini may appear. This is a normal occurrence.

          12. If the Wireless Genie Mini detects a software update, perform the update.

              NOTES:

              • Enter the PIN if you are asked to enter it once again.
              • For other issues on the Wireless Genie Mini, additional troubleshooting steps are available.

     • If you have a Genie Mini (C51) client (NOT wireless).

       Follow the steps below to connect the Genie Mini client to the Genie HD DVR.

       1. Make sure the Genie Mini is connected to the non DIRECTV Ready TV.

          NOTE: Using an HDMI cable connect the cable from the HDMI output jack of the Genie Mini to the HDMI input jack of the TV.

       2. Set the TV to the input being used.
       3. If you are using a standard definition TV, connect the 10-pin to composite cable dongle or 10-pin to component cable dongle to the A/V out of the Genie Mini box and the AV cables or component cables to the composite or component input of the TV.

          10-pin to composite cable dongle

          10-pin to component cable dongle

       4. Plug the power cord of the Genie Mini and the TV to a working power outlet or surge protector.
       5. Power on the TV and Genie HD DVR.
       6. The Genie Mini requires a SWM8 connection.

          

          NOTES:

          • Make sure the satellite dish from the outside is connected to a SWM8 module. Then, connect the SWM8 module to a power inserter and to 8-way splitter.
          • If you need to verify the connection of the SWM8 module, contact DIRECTV at 1-800-531-5000.

       7. Once you have verified the installation of the SWM8 module, go to the room where the Genie HD DVR is located. Then, begin the Add Client guided setup.

          1. Using the remote control of the Genie HD DVR, press the MENU button.
          2. Select Settings&Help.
          3. Select Settings.
          4. Select Whole-Home.
          5. Select Manage Client.
          6. Select Add a client.
       8. Take note of the PIN that appears on the TV screen.

       9. Go to the room where the Genie Mini client is located and enter the PIN.

          1. Using the Genie Mini remote control, enter the PIN.
          2. Select Add a New Location.
          3. Enter a custom name for the location of the Genie Mini.
          4. Select Save Name.
          5. On the confirmation screen, select OK.
          6. To apply the Genie Mini settings, select either of the following.
             • Select DON’T COPY to have default DIRECTV settings added to your new Genie Mini. Then, select Watch DIRECTV or Browse the Guide to complete the guide setup.
             • Select COPY to mirror the settings from an existing Genie HD DVR or Genie Mini setup in your home. Next, select the location where you wish to copy the settings from. Then, select Watch DIRECTV or Browse the Guide to complete the guide setup.
          7. Select DONE on the Add a Client screen of the Genie HD DVR.

          NOTE: You can add up to three Genie Minis to the existing HD DVR you have in your home.