Are DirecTV DVRs Wireless?

DirecTV DVR receivers connect to the incoming downlinked satellite TV signals via coaxial cable. The types of video outputs available to connect the DVR to your TV depends on the specific DVR, primarily whether it is a standard-definition (SD) or high-definition (HD) model. SD DVRs offer coaxial, composite RCA and S-video outputs, while HD DVRs add the HDMI and component video outputs necessary to send HD-resolution video to an HDTV.

One way satellite TV differs from cable is that while data can be transmitted both to and from a cable receiver/DVR, satellite TV is a one-way transmission. This means that while on-demand and pay-per-view (PPV) content are delivered directly through the cable with cable TV, satellite TV requires a connection to an active Internet network to provide this type of programming. With DirecTV, this is available with the DirecTV Cinema feature. With this feature, you receive the equipment necessary to access your home high-speed Internet network and display DirecTV Cinema titles on your TV.

If your subscription contains a single HD DVR, you can connect the DVR directly to your Internet network via Ethernet cable. If you have the Whole Home DVR feature, the DVR must be connected to the DirecTV Cinema Connection Kit (which can also be used with the single HD DVR). The Kit is a device that connects to the incoming signals from both the satellite service and the home's Internet network, and relays those signals to the DVR. And, though the Connection Kit also connects to the DVR via Ethernet cable, it has the ability to connect to your Internet network wirelessly.

The DirecTV Cinema Connection Kit can connect to both open and protected wi-fi networks. With protected networks, pressing the designated "WPS" (Wireless Protected Setup) button on both your wireless router and the Connection Kit will establish the connection automatically. You can also connect to the network manually by following the configuration instructions that appear on your TV screen after connecting the ethernet cable from the Kit to the DVR.