Tutor
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71 Messages
Alexa and Genie DVR
Got a message that as of 10/17 Alexa voice will be removed from Direct TV Genie HD DVRs. Does anyone know why this is being done? I have found it useful to use Alexa voice in the past to do such things as change my Genie channel.
shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
2 years ago
Don't see how they can remove it from a Alexa device.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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Kalickim52
New Member
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9 Messages
2 years ago
As I understand it, DTV provides the Alexa skill that allows Alexa voice control of the DTV Genie. I read the DTV message to mean that DTV is removing/disabling the skill.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
2 years ago
I, too, would love to know why this is being removed.
____________________________________
ACEs are customers too, NOT employees. Answers are based on experience. I strive to give honest answers, even if not always appreciated. If you posted personal information, please edit and remove.
For official support call DirecTV Satellite 1-800-531-5000, DirecTV Stream 1-888-429-4023, DirecTV Gemini dedicated 1-888-488-4742, or AT&T 1-800-288-2020.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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MnDenny
1 Message
2 years ago
Me too--is the skill being removed/disabled in Alexa? I use my Alexas to control 3 different Genie boxes for 3 TVs. Losing this capability would make me seriously consider dropping my DTV service. Can someone from DTV please clarify what exactly is going to happen in a week. Thank you!
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
2 years ago
The DirecTV Genie has allowed Alexa voice control. This does not mean Alexa itself is installed in the boxes.
However the 'skill' that Alexa uses to communicate with DirecTV is likely what is being removed. The end result is the same, regardless of which way you want to word it.
What needs to be known if this is temporary or permanent, does it affect all lines of the Genie or staying for certain ones (say Genie-2, HS17 for example), and why this is being done. And also why was this so short notice? Seems this is something that needed more time to be prepared for.
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(Included after every post)
I am a customer, not an employee. This is a public forum.
For official support call DirecTV 1-800-531-5000, DIRECTV STREAM 1-888-429-4023
www.directv.com
(AT&T has sold off their share in DirecTV)
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255K Messages
1 year ago
This is permanent and affects all DIRECTV via satellite receivers. @Wannabe32 You may continue to enjoy the voice command feature via Google Assistant with our voice-activated remote control. Check this out: https://www.directv.com/support/satellite/article/000091378
Vince, DIRECTV Community Specialist
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Kalickim52
New Member
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9 Messages
1 year ago
That link points to the GEMINI remote NOT the GENIE remote. I have a Genie receiver so what are my voice control options???
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
1 year ago
Right, as the Gemini is the only voice controlled client DTV has so if this is true DTV will not have any other voice control options.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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Kalickim52
New Member
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9 Messages
1 year ago
All I can say as a disabled person, is that it appears that DTV gave little or no thought as to how this could affect some of their (10 yr+!) customers. Extremely frustrating. Maybe it’s time to look at other options.
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Sam16701
4 Messages
1 year ago
I too, use Alexa to control my Genie Minis. I can only assume with Gemini coming with Goggle Assistant that Google doesn’t want to coexist with Alexa. Even if they are separate devices. I won’t upgrade to Gemini since it wasn’t Alexa compatible. Now they are discontinuing Alexa. DirecTV wants you to upgrade to Gemini to lock you in for xx years with increasing prices. More reasons why DirecTV may no longer be in our house. I have been a loyal DirecTV subscriber for over 15 years and all that can give you is a week notice and no real explanation of why! Even on forum here DirecTV response — they weren’t fully aware of change coming. Why can’t DirecTV allow those still willing to use Genie’s with Alexa? Homes are usually either Alexa or Google interface. I have 2 remotes for each TV and their cost are reasonable. I looked up new Gemini remotes and they are expensive.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
1 year ago
I assume it is because whatever licensing fee Alexa wants is more then what DTV wants to pay.
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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Kalickim52
New Member
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9 Messages
1 year ago
While I appreciate everyone’s “guesses” and “assumptions”, it would really be great if DTV would provide the reason and why the short notice. AND provide reasonable alternatives.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
1 year ago
As noted in some other threads even the official forum help team weren't tracking this change before customers started sharing their frustration.
Apparently it was considered low enough usage and from a "costly vendor" that it is not worth it for DirecTV to invest any further support in it. So high value for some customers was not enough to be worth it as a business unfortunately.
As for why the short notice, that is unknown. I agree it would have been appropriate to give more advance notice so people can plan to adjust. And to message the customer base before telling their own employees (at least the forum help team, don't know about regular customer support) makes it feel even more rushed.
But bottom line is the discontinuation of Alexa support is official as not valuable enough for the business.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Included after every post)
I am a customer, not an employee. This is a public forum.
For official support call DirecTV 1-800-531-5000, DIRECTV STREAM 1-888-429-4023
www.directv.com
(AT&T has sold off their share in DirecTV)
*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.
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Wannabe32
Tutor
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71 Messages
1 year ago
I would categorize this as an example of Direct TV making a business decision regardless of the impact on their customers.
Just my opinion.
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DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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255K Messages
1 year ago
Hey there, it's so awesome to hear from you! No need to worry, I'm here to help with anything you need. Your feedback is really important to us. What can I assist you with today? Jessica, DIRECTV Community Specialist
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