Yes, there are differences. Yes, the HR44 is better. But that does not change things. If you get a free Genie from DirecTV, it will be whatever is on the truck. And the truck will have whatever is in the warehouse. And why should DirecTv ensure that you get the latest equipment? What do they do with the HR34s, throw them in the landfill? If you want to guarantee the latest equipment, lease it through solid signal and pay for it.
I can assure you my local cable company does not guarantee the latest equipment!!
The returned recvr gets cleaned up and should be sent out as Replacements for others.
If your UPGRADING, you should always get NEW, not refurbished equipment.