It can be done. There are so many rumors that you can’t use the AM21 antenna module with the HR44 Genie. It’s easy to see how they get started since our guide to installing an AM21 has you unplugging the receiver and routing the power from the receiver to the AM21. HR44 Genies use a different power cable than any other receiver, so it probably seems to some people that AM21 can’t be used.
Here’s the complete guide to using the AM21 with an HR44 Genie:
1. Plug the AM21 into the wall. Ignore the passthrough cable attached to the AM21.
2. Plug the USB cable into the AM21 and also into the USB port on the back of the Genie DVR.
3. Reboot the Genie DVR.
When the receiver boots up, it should display a message saying “Off-Air adapter found” and you will go into a menu where you can set up to two zip codes to search. If you move, going into the Settings menu ({MENU}, Settings&Help, Settings, Satellite & Ant) will let you change these ZIP codes.
The new channels will appear in your guide. If you use a custom favorites list, you will have to add them manually. Off-air channels will be identified with a dash (such as 2-1 instead of just 2) and you can schedule recordings and pause live TV with them just as if they were satellite-delivered channels.
Note: The blue power light on the AM21 will remain on even when the Genie DVR is turned off. This is normal. The AM21 pulls the same amount of electricity whether the blue light is on or off. Because the AM21 is considered an owned accessory, feel free to cover the light with electrical tape or red nail polish if it bothers you.
