Digital out on DirectTV Mini Genie

Depends on the model number of the Mini some have optical outputs, the digital audio output uses a coax cable with RCA connectors that is called a digital audio cable.  There are adapters to change between the 2.

As I possible new customer , would I be able to request one that has optical?  I thought the c61 was one of the latest ones and it does not have it. I'm guessing the C71 is the same.

The C71KW Gemini does have optical out it is labeled as digital audio.  DTV doesn't allow you to request a specific model number but the tech may have or can get it.

I thought I saw a Mini with optical out but looking at pictures I was wrong so the only the C71KW has it.

Appreciate the input, @shannon02! Kesiah, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Now I am really confused...Is there both a C61 and a C61k?  Because I saw a pic of the back of a C61k that did have optical out. Saw a picture on Amazon which was just identified as C61 and it didn't have it.

C61k is a 4K Genie Mini that decodes 4K programming and has Optical Digital Audio, while C61 is a Genie Mini that only has Digital Audio Output. Kesiah, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Can you confirm that the tech would probably have as many of 5 - c61k or c71k in 

his truck for a new install?  If not, why can't I get (order) what I want/need -according

to shannon02 ?

DTV usually doesn't install a C61K unless there is a 4K TV to connect it to.  I didn't think of the C61K when I was looking.  The standard install is 4 TVs so the extra mini will cost extra.

I don't have a 4k tv, but I have 5 older TVs and surely my next one will be a 4k. I don't understand how a service that I would be paying a lot of money for won't give me what I need? What's the big deal why they wouldn't? They would rather not have my business for at least 2 years than give me the boxes I need. Doesn't make much business sense to me.

Models have changed over the years. As all Mini Genies and Gemini are Clients, model starts with C. There is no option to order a specific model number, only model line.

DirecTV only provides a 4K Client if you have a 4K order, which requires specific equipment, and the 4K TV must be present for the install. They are not going to take an available 4K Client away from someone who does have a 4K TV for one who doesn't. They try to be efficient with their equipment. Since you don't have a 4K TV then you don't need a 4K Client, simple as that. Just because you want it, doesn't mean you have more use for it over someone else. So the business is considering multiple customers over just one.

Techs are only guaranteed to have what is required for your install. They are not obligated to carry around multiple options for you to take your time browsing. Arrive, install, leave for next job or return work truck to be prepared for next job.

Regular wired Mini Genie: C31, C41, C51, C61

Wireless Mini Genie: C41W, C61W

4K Mini Genie (wired only): C61K

Gemini (wired, wireless, supports app like dedicated streaming boxes): C71KW

Hope that all helps give clarification.

My wife has  a hearing problem. We must use headphones of which we have high

end ones. If this is the case where we have to have analog RCA cables connected to our surround sound digital Sony headphones, it is a non starter for us. We are long time Xfinity customers and probably would have been  long time Directv customers. So they can save the 4k boxes for someone else and not have our business.

The Gemini C71WK does have optical out and being the latest is more likely being installed.  As stated before there are adapters to change the digital audio to optical.

I would think a high end headphone would have digital audio inputs.

Well Juniper  had  posted that DTV won't give me that box unless I have a 4k tv. So what am I supposed to think?  This is important to us and without assurances as to what kind of equipment I will get, is a gamble that will not be taken.

The Gemini, though being a 4K Client, is the only box that supports streaming apps. Unlike the 4K Mini Genie, this one you might be able to get without a 4K TV as the overall purpose is a bit different. You can certainly ask.

Like all Clients, you must have a main Genie of some sort on one of your other TVs as they are not standalone boxes with the satellite service.

Many current TVs have a place to plug in headphones, or even plug a dongle to connect without a long wire across the room. You could check that as well.

Equipment availability has the same requirements for all customers. It is built into their system to order what is compatible and allowed. Agents aren't given any option to circumvent this and guarantee specific models for for tech to install something outside the rules. If DirecTV cannot provide you what you are demanding, and you cannot connect headphones to the TV as an alternative, so you decide to remove your business then it is what it is. A business is not obligated to provide everything somebody wants, even with 'threatening' canceling or the like.

Of course Directv isn't obligated to do anything for me as a potential new customer.

I would think providing me refurbished equipment to meet my needs would prove profitable for the company vs not getting my revenue stream for years to come.