Who doesn’t love the DIRECTV Gemini? It’s one box that lets you watch satellite TV and also enjoy all your favorite streaming apps. You don’t have to switch inputs on your remote and you don’t have to change inputs on your TV. It’s just one smooth experience. Gemini has become so popular that we’re starting to hear about people with special requests. This article is all about that.
Here’s what one of our customers is saying.
We recently heard from a customer with this request:
When I turn on my Gemini, it goes to live TV all the time. I want to turn it on and have it be on the Apps screen instead. How can I do this?
I understand why you’d want to do that. When I turn on the TV, I am not sure what I’m going to watch. Sometimes, I actually know that I want to stream. I don’t want to wait for live TV to show up and deal with random sounds. So I see what the customer is asking for here.
Simple answer: you can’t do that
The idea of the Gemini is that it’s a satellite TV receiver first and a streaming box second. After a lot of market research, DIRECTV folks found that’s what people want. Both the Gemini for Satellite and Gemini for Internet work like that. I was told by DIRECTV staff a few years ago that they think most people who want to start with apps will just get a dedicated streaming box. The feeling is, people who want to start with apps are more tech-savvy and more likely to be ok with multiple boxes and multiple remotes.
Unfortunately you can’t set a macro or anything
People ask if you can use a universal remote or set up a macro on the remote or something. The Gemini uses a Bluetooth remote that isn’t compatible with universal remotes. If you’re truly interested in pushing the envelope, you can send data to the Gemini through your home network. It’s theoretically possible to create some sort of app that would send the right commands. I just think it takes a level of tech knowledge most people don’t have.
About the closest thing you can do is just hit the APPS button right after the power button. In most cases that will take you to the apps screen before the TV even starts up. It’s a two-button solution, that’s true. But it essentially does what you want it to do.
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in upgrading to the full DIRECTV Gemini experience, there’s only one place you’ll get the support you really need. Solid Signal has a full staff of technicians in our Detroit-area office who are ready to answer all your questions. We’ll help you figure out the best path for upgrading your DIRECTV system. Even if you have a boat or an RV, we can help you with a solution that will let you keep the equipment you have and still get the Gemini you want.
Call during East Coast business hours and let us tell you all about it! We’re here at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, just fill out the form below. Our technical staff will get right back to you.
