2 Messages
Update "bricked" Gemini box
I have 4 Gemini (a/k/a/ Osprey) boxes that I use with DirecTV Stream. All just received an update. Three updated just fine, but the fourth seems to have reverted to the AT&T software and just sits there with the animated "globe" logo. In chatting with support, we did all kinds of resets and restarts and pretty much ended up with "the update server is no longer in service, so I guess you're out of luck." It's little more than an Android TV box. Why can't DirecTV provide update software on a USB stick (or as a download) to right such a problem? The software has to have been installed on the device somehow - and the original software can obviously be updated/upgraded because it does happen. There are literally thousands of these things available on ebay, etc. No one can convince me that every one of those thousands of boxes were hurriedly updated before the spinoff. There must be some other way. I understand that these devices are not new - but they are also not antiques and are not much different than the current Gemini Air devices. If I've read correctly, AT&T still owns 70% of DirecTV so AT&T and DirecTV are both doing a disservice to anyone and everyone who may be experiencing this same problem.
DIRECTVhelp
Community Support
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21K Messages
5 months ago
We're sorry if you're experiencing an issue with one of your Gemini devices, ThisEdison. I've sent you a DM to check on the option, so you can watch your service on your 4th TV. Ariane, DIRECTV Community Specialist
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Tiger593
ACE - New Member
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1.5K Messages
5 months ago
Did you buy your Directv Gemini Device from Directv or through a 3rd party? If you bought your Gemini device through Directv I would contact customer service again and ask them if they can replace the box, as it has now become unusable due to their update and you should not have to pay for a replacement. But if you bought your Gemini from someone other than Directv I doubt that they would replace it even though it is their fault it has become unusable. Now to address the boxes on eBay. Yes, some of the Boxes sold on eBay are useable and have the new software on them but thousands are obsolete that are being sold and will not work. When buying from a 3rd party source you may end up with boxes that do not work in my opinion the buyer should be aware that they could get an unusable box. I always tell people who are looking to purchase from 3rd party sellers to make sure the seller accepts returns in case they get a device that does not work.
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ThosEdison
2 Messages
5 months ago
I see no way to read or respond to a DM.
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Jrandomuser
ACE - Expert
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1.2K Messages
5 months ago
@Tiger593 - the OP indicated (well, at least implied) that all their units were working fine until the latest update. I’d guess the unit was bought back in the AT&T days, and this has nothing to do with a third party seller offering a bad unit. (That is, this problem could impact anyone with an older Osprey.)
It appears that the update on one unit failed (badly, probably during the flash update), and that the unit reverted to its bootloader. From past reports of problems (fairly soon after the spinoff) it seems that the bootloader in units that were originally AT&T has a hardcoded server name (or worse, IP address) for an AT&T update server, and AT&T doesn’t provide a redirect. Nor apparently does the live code update that server name/address in EEPROM. So from that state (factory reset, in bootloader) it is issuing update requests that aren’t being responded to. That shouldn’t be fatal. AT&T should have provided a redirect to a DirecTV server. Failing that, I have a hard time believing that there is no mechanism to get an update using the USB port - at least I would never have designed it without that fallback, but I didn't design it, so it’s possible that they don’t have that.
I don’t think a response of “sorry - (Edited per community guidelines) to be you” is adequate - like I said, this problem potentially impacts any user with a unit from AT&T days, which is a lot of people. If there is a workaround (even if it might require taking the unit to an AT&T store to have them update it), then they should offer that, even if it’s painful or moderately costly to AT&T/DTV. If not (if the unit’s design was really that bad that nothing can be done) then DTV should at minimum offer the user a significant discount on a replacement unit (Gemini or Gemini Air) and take up any financial issues directly with AT&T.
(edited)
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