For the big picture on DIRECTV’s small wonder, check out the Gemini review and Gemini videos.
It’s been such a long time since DIRECTV has had new consumer hardware. Now that Gemini is here, I thought I would go through some of the most common questions that our support technicians are getting.
Can I get a Gemini for free?
This is the biggest question people ask, obviously. The answer is going to be different for different people. It will depend on what hardware you already have at home, where you are in your contract, and other factors. But yes, there are deals out there. Call us at 888-233-7563.
Is there a monthly fee for Gemini?
It’s the same monthly fee that you pay for other DIRECTV hardware. There is a monthly mirroring fee on all DIRECTV DVRs, receivers, and clients except the first one. This isn’t new and it’s not likely to change.
Does Gemini work without a Genie DVR?
The official answer is “no.” I think there are some cases where you could trick it into working for a couple of hours, but it’s not going to work for very long. This means that, like other DIRECTV Genie clients, you can’t just take it into your RV.
Can I connect my Gemini straight to home Ethernet?
Again, officially, no. However, there are some people who have reported that once you get past the initial activation, you can move it to an Ethernet network and it will work. I will simply say beware, and be prepared for it not to work.
Can I connect my Gemini straight to home Wi-Fi?
Same answer as above. Unofficially it might work and there are even some DIRECTV support documents that tell you you can do it. However, the best way to use your Gemini is to connect it to your Genie 2’s wireless network or use a Wireless Video Bridge if you have an HR54.
Can I use Gemini with my HR44?
Right now, DIRECTV’s systems won’t let a Gemini be activated with an HR44. It’s just not possible to do. That may change in the future, but I won’t count on it.
Can I use my Gemini as a plain old streaming box, without satellite service?
Because the Gemini starts up showing live TV, it can’t be used without satellite service.
Can I run another provider’s streaming app (like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DISH) on my Gemini?
The folks at DIRECTV thought of that. You can’t choose those apps on the Google Play store. It just says it isn’t available. If you’re the sort of person who uses Developer Mode on your devices, you might be able to sideload it but I can’t guarantee it will work.
Will the Gemini work for DIRECTV Stream?
DIRECTV (the company) has three services. One is DIRECTV for Satellite and Internet. One is DIRECTV for Internet. The third is DIRECTV Stream. The DIRECTV Stream name now applies only to those people who use the service on their own user-supplied phones and streaming boxes.
They’ve also renamed the two boxes, which is confusing because they also look identical. One is the DIRECTV Gemini for Satellite and Internet. The other, which used to be called the Osprey, C71, or “DIRECTV Stream device,” is now called the DIRECTV Gemini for Internet.
So, if you have satellite, you get a Gemini for Satellite and Internet. If you don’t have satellite but want DIRECTV’s box, you get a Gemini for Internet. If you don’t want DIRECTV’s box but still want programming, you sign up for DIRECTV Stream and use your own stuff.
I know this is confusing. Get your Gemini by calling Solid Signal at 888-233-7563. We’ll make sure you get the right one.
If I have an old “DIRECTV Stream device,” can I turn it into a Gemini for Satellite and Internet?
No. It probably could be done by DIRECTV itself, but they’re not interested in letting regular folks do this.
Do I have to use the voice remote? What if I don’t want Google listening in on me?
You don’t have to use the voice remote. You can use any DIRECTV remote in infrared mode. The only time you need to use the voice remote is during activation. Then you can take the batteries out of it and put it in a drawer.
Will the Gemini control my TV and A/V receiver?
If your previous DIRECTV equipment did, this will too. It will send infrared to the other devices and Bluetooth to the Gemini. The process for setting up the remote is automatic but if it’s not right, you can manually set one up pretty much the same way as you did with an older DIRECTV box.
Just like older Genie hardware, there’s no way to get this remote to control a Blu-ray Disc player, VCR, or anything like that.
Can commercial customers get the Gemini?
Just like other Genie hardware, the Gemini is limited to residential use only. So, no.
Get your Gemini from Solid Signal
Normally, I’d give you a link to the device (ok here’s one, if you absolutely must) but friends I am urging you to call us or chat with us instead of just adding to cart. We will review every order through the web site to make sure you got the right thing, but if you call us, we’ll help you get the best deals. You can also chat at SolidSignal.com or use the chat link at the bottom right of this article.
Call 888-233-7563. fill out the form below, or chat with us. You’ll be glad you did.
