Gemini Air is the latest little box from DIRECTV. It’s only for folks with the internet-only service (in other words not for satellite TV customers.) It’s one of the hottest product launches we’ve had at Solid Signal in quite some time. Do you have yours yet?
Here’s what’s so different about Gemini Air
Gemini Air is the second generation device for the service that’s been called DIRECTV NOW, AT&T TV NOW, AT&T TV, and DIRECTV Stream. It’s live TV over the internet. That’s not a revolutionary idea anymore but the way DIRECTV does it is great. You get almost the same exact channel selection you get with DIRECTV satellite, even down to the same channel numbers. You get a cloud DVR with unlimited storage, and over 50,000 on demand programs at the touch of a button. It’s a fantastic value.
Gemini Air is the new way to watch the DIRECTV for Internet service. You can use any Roku, Apple, or Fire device, plus several smart TV platforms, but if you do it that way, you don’t get the whole experience. Why? They DIRECTV remote, that’s why.
There isn’t any other streaming service or any streaming platform that gives you a remote like this one. Most streaming boxes give you a simplified remote with maybe six buttons. That’s great if you’re a mind reader, right? If you miss the way your cable TV remote worked, you’ll love the Gemini Air’s remote. It’s full-sized, has a number pad to enter channels, and every button is labeled clearly. What else could you ask for?
For those who don’t want the Gemini Air’s remote…
There have been a few people who have contacted us asking if they could use an infrared remote with the Gemini Air. Some already have home theater systems that work with a universal remote. Some just have a remote they like, while others have already lost their Gemini Air’s remote. Here’s the bottom line:
You CANNOT use an infrared remote with the Gemini Air.
The Gemini Air is designed to sit behind the TV where an infrared remote wouldn’t work. It doesn’t even have an infrared receiver. As a result, only the Gemini Air’s Bluetooth-enabled remote will work with it. So what are your options?
1. If you’ve lost your Gemini remote, buy another one.
SolidSignal.com has the best price on the Gemini remote. We sell it for about half of what you’ll pay on any other site. You can have multiple remotes on your Gemini Air, so it’s a good idea to have a spare anyway
2. If you would prefer an infrared remote, look for a used 1st-gen Gemini.
DIRECTV has stopped selling the original first-generation Gemini for Internet box. There is a box called Gemini, but it’s only for the satellite TV service. If you get the satellite one, you won’t be able to use it with your internet-only service.
DIRECTV will sometimes offer used or refurbished Gemini boxes on their site, and you can find them on eBay and other auction sites. Just make sure you’re getting the Gemini box for internet. You may see it labeled as a DIRECTV Stream or Osprey box. It’s ok, those all mean the same thing.
Why did DIRECTV do this?
DIRECTV for Internet customers is designed to give a simpler installation experience that people can do themselves. That’s part of the reason that there’s no infrared option. Plus, any infrared remote wouldn’t be able to use the voice search that’s a big part of the Gemini experience. Infrared remotes wouldn’t be able to see through the TV to get to something behind it, either.
Roku and Amazon have adopted similar thought processes with their streaming sticks, and for the same reason.
More questions? Ask!
We have technicians available during East Coast business hours to help you with all your questions about DIRECTV. Call us at 888-233-7563 and we’ll be happy to help! If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get right back to you.
