It’s hard to avoid one simple fact: DIRECTV’s Gemini Air is a hit. It’s the smallest-ever DIRECTV device. It’s smaller than most DIRECTV remotes, in fact. It has a great remote with a built-in backlight. There’s so much to like about a small device that runs DIRECTV’s internet-streaming service as well as any app that you can find in the built-in Google Play Store.
But, there’s one thing it can’t do. And, I can’t quite tell you why.
No, you cannot use a Gemini Air for DIRECTV satellite
If you have DIRECTV Satellite, there’s a Gemini for you. It will let you watch your DIRECTV satellite programs on the same box as all your streaming apps. In a lot of ways, that makes it an even better value than the Gemini Air. After all, a lot of streaming boxes will run DIRECTV’s app as well as other apps. The Gemini Air does it better, but a lot of boxes will do it. Having a single box that does satellite and streaming is really kind of awesome.
The Gemini for Satellite box is about the size as those other boxes. They seem to think that satellite customers want a box this size. But, at Solid Signal, hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t ask us if they can use a Gemini Air for DIRECTV satellite. So obviously there’s some demand for it.
But why can’t you use a Gemini Air for DIRECTV satellite?
That’s a good question. It’s a little hard to compare the hardware specs of Gemini and Gemini Air, but it seems like they’re about the same. When you look at what both boxes can do, such as watch Netflix or Hulu, they are both about the same experience. So even if the processor speeds are different, it doesn’t seem like it affects the actual experience.
There’s another possibility that seems more likely. It’s possible that the Gemini for Satellite has some hardware that the Gemini Air doesn’t have. Yes, it’s true that the Gemini for Satellite’s hardware was released for the streaming service first. It went through several names, variously being know as the DIRECTV Stream box, the AT&T TV device, and even “Osprey.” There’s also its internal manufacturer code, C71KW. That might be the key to understanding the real reason.
C71KW vs. P21KW
DIRECTV’s internal code for the Gemini for Satellite is C71KW. That’s a nod to previous DIRECTV clients like the C41W, C51, and C61K. The “C” indicates a Genie client. The “W” means it’s wireless, and the “K” means it’s 4K-capable. It’s interesting that they gave the Gemini for Satellite this model number. It says to me that there was always a plan to make this a Genie client, and it was repurposed for streaming as well.
On the other hand, the internal code for Gemini Air is P21KW. (Forget for a moment that this implies the presence of a P10, P11, and P20 that never made it to market.) I’m not quite sure what “P” stands for in their minds, but the one thing you can say is that it’s a letter that’s never been used in DIRECTV hierarchy. If this were a device that was designed from the start for DIRECTV satellite, it’s much more likely that it would have been called a C81KW or something like that.
So, when you read the shadows on the wall, it’s easy to guess that there is hardware in the Gemini for Satellite that only works when you’re using satellite TV. It’s also easy to guess that the Gemini Air doesn’t have. The fact that the Gemini Air is so much smaller and uses less power than the Gemini for Satellite supports this idea too.
Yeah but could they?
Yes, they could. DIRECTV could build a device the size of a Gemini Air that also works for satellite. How do I know this? Because 12 years ago, they were able to build a Genie client that ran 100% in software on Samsung, LG, and Sony smart TVs. It wasn’t as good as a regular Genie client, but it did work. And if they could do it then, they could do it now. Simple as that. I have absolutely no doubt that they could build a device the size of a flash drive that could do it.
After all, a cell phone’s actual hardware bits are about that size, with all the other space in the phone being taken up by the screen, camera, and battery. A cell phone is about a zillion times more powerful than you probably need for satellite TV, considering you can do satellite TV with a 17-year-old DIRECTV box.
It comes down to whether or not it makes economic sense. Will a tiny client box draw more people to DIRECTV? Are the compromises, like getting rid of a wired connection and infrared port, worth it? And in the end, will it take more time to support it? Satellite TV customers tend to be older and less tech-savvy than streaming-only customers. At least that’s what I’m told.
If you really want something like this…
My advice is to keep talking about it nere and on social media. If enough people say they want it, DIRECTV could actually make it. And, if you want to upgrade your DIRECTV satellite system with the amazing Gemini, call Solid Signal at 888-233-7563. We’re here for you during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below.
