Friends, I’ve spent the last decade telling you that you can’t watch your DIRECTV content on the road if you have someone in the house who’s there watching it. That’s all part of your customer agreement. But, that’s completely different with DIRECTV’s internet service, and I’m here to explain why.
First, a look back
DIRECTV’s streaming service has always been great, but — truth to power — it’s been a marketing miss. It was originally announced in 2016 as part of a trio of services to be offered by AT&T, and launched at the end of that year. It was part of a new breed of services, more expensive than traditional streaming services but with a lot more live content.
About three years in, the service was branded as “AT&T TV NOW,” and with the coming of the eponymously named AT&T TV box, its name became “AT&T TV” if you had the device and “AT&T TV NOW” if you didn’t. That lasted a while longer. When DIRECTV split off from AT&T, the service was renamed to “DIRECTV for Internet” if you had the device and “DIRECTV Stream” if you didn’t. Again remember this is the same service. It not only has had five names but it has two different names depending on what you use to watch it.
Today, the “DIRECTV Stream” name seems to be fading because the company really wants you to use their Gemini Air device. I don’t blame them. It’s a really cool little dongle that lets you watch streaming apps and live TV without changing inputs.
About that Gemini Air
Gemini Air is DIRECTV’s second hardware device for its streaming service. The first suffered from some of the same naming chaos as the service itself. It’s largely been discontinued, but an identical-looking device is available for satellite customers as the Gemini. Gemini Air is the only new device you’ll get for DIRECTV’s internet service. The older box is available as a replacement, and you can find used ones on eBay.
Because Gemini Air is so small and portable, people want to take it with them in their RVs. They even want to go into hotel rooms with it. And I say, I don’t blame you. It’s extremely convenient. Hook it up to any TV and you’ll have access to DIRECTV service and all your favorite apps. You don’t even need to sign in again.
Yeah but can you take it with you… legally?
I’ve said it before. If you have satellite service, you can only use it in one location. If you have DIRECTV at home, you can use it in your RV as long as there’s no one at home. That is, if you have standalone receivers and a satellite dish. Not everyone does.
You absolutely can take your Gemini Air with you, and even use it if someone is at home. DIRECTV allows up to 20 devices to use the DIRECTV Internet service at the address your bills go to. (This is called your “service address.”) Plus, you can stream using up to three devices out of home. It doesn’t matter if someone else is at home when you’re out of the house.
This is a major change in DIRECTV policy, but it mirrors what other streaming providers are doing. It just makes sense. Yes, it does make it a little easier to “share” the service illegally. I am guessing that at some point they will roll out something like what Netflix does. You’ll have to bring your remote devices home at least once a month or they won’t work. But for now, game on. Use your DIRECTV service anywhere in the USA and you’re fine.
Just don’t forget the Wi-Fi.
Internet service is everywhere. We tend to forget sometimes that many of our gadgets won’t work without it. If your Gemini Air can’t connect to internet, it won’t work, period. You’ll need a cellular or Wi-Fi solution. Luckily, your friends at Signal Connect have what you need.
We can get you connected using your phone or with a dedicated hotspot or router. We have devices with generous data plans that don’t cost as much as expensive satellite internet systems. Let us tell you all about them!
It all starts with a call to 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. You’ll reach an expert who will explain all your options and let you choose the best option for you. We’ve been designing mobility solutions for over 20 years. Let us design one for you. Call us, or if it’s after hours just fill out the form below.
