RVU, or Remote Viewing Unit, is a protocol that allows devices like TVs to access and stream content from a central server in a home network. The concept was introduced as a solution to stream TV shows across multiple TVs in a household using a home network, particularly when the internet was not as fast and streaming services were not as widespread. The idea behind RVU was to allow a single device, such as a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) like the Genie DVR, to receive video from satellite or cable TV, and then distribute that video to other devices in the home over the local network.
What Does RVU Mean on a TV?
RVU on a TV refers to a built-in protocol that enables the television to act as a “thin client” for streaming content from a central server. This means that your RVU-enabled TV doesn’t need a separate set-top box or cable service; instead, it can pull video from the main server, such as a Genie DVR, and display it directly. It works similarly to the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) protocol, which also facilitates media sharing across home networks using Wi-Fi or wired connections.
For a TV to support RVU, it must have software that can communicate with the central server and request content, such as video playback, pause, or rewind. If your TV supports RVU, you should see the RVU logo in its specifications or user manual.
RVU TV Protocol
RVU is a software protocol that allows your TV to access video content from a DVR in your home network. By connecting your TV to a network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the RVU protocol enables seamless streaming of live or recorded TV programs. The RVU system operates similarly to a thin client, where the TV doesn’t handle the video source directly, but instead, it accesses content from the main server.
The main advantage of RVU is the ability to enjoy TV shows across multiple devices without the need for additional set-top boxes. With RVU, your TV becomes a client to a centralized server, and you can perform actions like rewinding or pausing live TV. This offers a more efficient and streamlined solution for multi-room viewing.
Direct TV and RVU
DirecTV, a major satellite TV provider, is one of the key players that adopted RVU technology. By installing a DVR receiver in your home, such as the Genie DVR or the Genie Mini, DirecTV allows you to access live TV, store recorded shows, and stream them to any RVU-compatible TV in the house. This system eliminates the need for multiple satellite boxes in each room, simplifying setup and providing greater convenience.
To use RVU with DirecTV, you’ll need to connect your DVR receiver to the internet and a satellite dish. Once set up, your RVU-enabled TV will be able to stream content from the DVR via your home network. The RVU protocol allows you to enjoy both live TV and recorded content on multiple devices without the need for a physical set-top box in every room.
How Does RVU Work?
To set up RVU, you’ll need a DVR device, such as the Genie DVR, Genie Mini, or Wireless Genie Mini. These devices serve as the central server in your home, receiving content from a satellite dish and then broadcasting it to other TVs using your home network, whether through a wired or wireless connection.
The DVR must be connected to the internet, and the TV (or TVs) in your home must be RVU-compatible. Once everything is connected, your TV can stream both live and recorded TV content from the DVR over your home Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. This setup eliminates the need for additional cable boxes in other rooms, making RVU a convenient solution for households with multiple TVs.
The Future of RVU
The future of RVU is uncertain, as the technology is not widely supported by all hardware manufacturers. Moreover, with the rise of streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, that allow users to watch content on multiple devices, RVU’s appeal may diminish. Streaming services offer a similar experience to RVU, with the server-side infrastructure handled by the service provider rather than in-home equipment.
As internet speeds and streaming technology continue to improve, it’s possible that RVU will gradually lose relevance. While RVU once served as a convenient solution for in-home content distribution, the growing dominance of streaming services may ultimately replace the need for such systems. However, for users with existing RVU setups, it still offers a functional and reliable way to enjoy content across multiple TVs without the need for multiple set-top boxes.
