By now you’re aware of the DIRECTV Gemini. The little box has raised a lot of excitement among the DIRECTV faithful. It’s the first truly new design from DIRECTV in a very long time — almost a generation — and the first new consumer hardware of any kind for DIRECTV satellite since 2015. Folks love the small size, Bluetooth voice-enabled remote, and the ability to run pretty much any app you want on the same box you use for DIRECTV satellite.
But, there’s still a little bit of confusion as to how many Geminis the average home will need. I can understand why the confusion is there, but it’s easy to clear up.
The answer: you’ll need one Gemini for every TV.
Consider the Gemini as a replacement for the Genie client boxes you have at every TV. It does everything they do, and more. In most cases, you’ll take the Genie client out, and add a Gemini and a DECA in its place. Here’s a quick installation diagram, in case you need it:
Gemini-Install-1Click here to view full screen or download.
If you have a wireless client, it’s even easier. Just remove it and install the Gemini in its place.
Can’t one Gemini supply apps to all your Genie clients?
If you’re asking this question, it’s probably because you’re coming from a DISH environment. DISH has a product called Hopper Plus. It’s an add-on to the Hopper 3 DVR that adds apps to the Hopper itself. The Hopper then lets the Joeys use those apps as needed, as long as you upgrade to a Joey 4 box.
That’s one way of doing it. Rather than have one centralized box that might get overwhelmed, DIRECTV chose to build the app functionality into each client. That means that in theory you shouldn’t have problems using apps on every Gemini at the same time. Of course you’ll need internet speed fast enough to accommodate that, but that’s a topic for another day.
Will DIRECTV ever have a centralized device to feed apps to all clients?
Never say never, I suppose. But even if there were one device that handled all that stuff, you’d probably need new clients to access it just the way DISH does. So in the end you’re not any better off because you’re still replacing the boxes at the TV.
This past year has seen four new product launches from DIRECTV: The H44-COM commercial receiver, H26K-COM 4K Commercial Receiver, Gemini for Satellite, and Gemini Air for DIRECTV Internet. That’s DIRECTV’s most expansive launch year ever, as far as I’ve been able to tell. I have a feeling they are just getting started. Yes, I understand the news is full of stories about the service losing subscribers, but it’s clear they’re not going anywhere. They are clearly ready to fight for every subscriber they have and even add more.
If you’re ready to upgrade your DIRECTV system, call the experts! You’ll get the best deals and the best customer service. We don’t use overseas call centers or high-pressure sales people. We believe in taking care of our customers one at a time, and it shows. Call us at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. Let us show you all the great features you can get for one low price with DIRECTV. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll get right back to you!
