Q. The DIRECTV Genie Whole Home service interests me because I want to have satellite in more than one room without a bunch of receivers. But do you need the Internet to install the Genie? — Ann, New Haven, Connecticut.

For those not familiar, the DIRECTV Genie Whole Home HD DVR allows you to record up to five shows at the same time — and watch live or recorded programming in up to four different rooms with just one receiver. (Each TV can also display a different show or recording at the same time.)

Need to buy something today? Please buy it using this Amazon.com link. This site is supported by your purchases from Amazon. Thanks in advance! 

The first receiver is installed in room one and each additional room is then connected via small (about the size of an oversized wallet) Genie boxes, which are known as Clients. The Clients use RVU software technology to access the receiver in room one so you don’t need an Internet connection.

What’s also appealing about the Genie is that because of the Client’s size, it can be easily hidden behind the television or in some other location near your set so your living room looks less cluttered.

Note: Some Sony, Samsung and LG TVs have RVU installed so you can access the Genie HD DVR without even using a mini Genie Client.

But either way, no Internet connection is required.

— Phillip Swann

If you have a question for the TV Answer Man, send it to: swann@tvpredictions.com