Gemini Box

@Juniper I have no clue as to the model numbering decisions.  However, in a sense it was always a "client" device (though not a Genie client), so I don't think that is necessarily indicative.  And they've made a massive number of poor naming choices for this service, so I wouldn't be surprised if they had made another.

Is there any indication (in the field) that there are 2 different Gemini devices - a DTV version and a DTVS version?  Like I said, I'd be really surprised if they went that route.  As far as bricking devices and transition problems - they've certainly shown signs over the years of less then completely competent implementation and support decisions, so more isn't a shock.  But there shouldn't be reasons why the problems can't be fixed (even if it's extra work on their part) - although the bar I've seen for bad system design choices is remarkable low, I have a hard time believing it could be that low (and it's very unlikely that AT&T designed the Osprey hardware - it is most likely an Android TV reference design with perhaps minor changes).  Whether they want to be bothered with fixing them (by whatever method) is a different question.

Directv changes (from DirectTV stream to DirecTV via internet) are just a ploy to get more money, they saw they were losing too much money when they were not charging lease fees on their receiver devices on a monthly basis with the streaming only service, compared to selling Geminis to customer outright.

The best thing about the gemini interface is that one can tune in to any channel directly with number pad input, otherwise with (say roku device) its a scroll search to find your channel that you want and a channel logo that is at times too small to see.

@pinballtom the Gemini is not a “receiver“ – it’s still a streaming device.  And they’re not charging a lease fee for it - they’re still selling it on the same terms that the “DIRECTV stream device“ was being sold for. So no change there. This is not to say that they may not try to increase their revenue by playing games. The $15 per month “advance receive her fee“ (per subscription, not per device) sort of makes sense for satellite subscribers, but not for “via Internet” subscribers - but they’re apparently still charging it for them. And while the base monthly fees for “via Internet” are mostly lower than for stream, they are now charging a separate sports fee that (more than) makes up for it .   At least so far, the end result isn’t too much different than Stream charges - it seems mostly a way to make “via satellite” and “via Internet” subscriptions the same.  But that could change in the future. 

As far as the Gemini vs commodity streamers - in general it provides a much more ”cable/satellite” user experience.  That’s not just direct channel access and the things that @Ludwick577 mentioned, but the fact that it comes up directly in the service - no dealing with “apps”.  For a large class of users, that’s a big plus.  And there’s voice control.  They are also (currently at least) only offering PPV (actually rentals and sales, I don’t think they have true PPV) on Gemini (Osprey).  Whether all those pluses are worth the cost of a Gemini will depend on the customer.  

I understand and appreciate your comments and input. Still does not make me happy that one has to pay a $15/mo per subscription advanced receiver fee for DTV Stream or DTV via internet service via a Gemini device.  I assume you get one Gemini device free for use with that service, but got to pay for each additional Gemini device you want in your household. Either $120ea or via payment plan. Of course , I assume one can circumvent those additional charges and fees if you go with a different streaming device like Roku or Fire stick or Chromecast + Google TV, but then you do not get the cool extra features and versatility of a Gemini device.

Makes me want to try another stream service like Hulu+live or YouTube TV or Sling TV. I am currently trying out on a trial basis Sling blue, but not liking the interface, it's OK, but the wife hates it and is lost, she rather stick with DirecTV (Sat), as she is use to that format interface, she does not like change or learning new ways of doing things, but it's too dang expensive (satellite) especially if you have multiple receivers or Genies/Geminis. Hulu+live has advantage of getting Disney/ ESPN+ included, but local channels are limited if you do not have access to good antenna signal. YouTubeTV has its +/-s. Hard decision to make. Likely will stick with DirecTv , but drop Satellite and go stream/via internet, and swallow pride and pay the advance receiver fee, and stick with one Gemini for main TV, and use rokus on rest of TVs since we already have them, and just hope wife gets use to the slighty more tedious way to tune to her favorite channels as compared to Gemini's method of navigating the channels and DVR.  Also hate losing our HR44 DVR receiver, where she has over a dozen movies recorded that she tends to watch over and over again DTV Stream only keeps recordings 9 months, instead of forever.

@pinballtom Regarding the $15/month subscription fee, you can get 4K on the existing Directv set top boxes with no monthly fee.  Directv may not sell you the old set top box any more (I tried), but you can buy it on eBay.

I do not need 4K as I do not have any 4K capable TVs.

Also my past post above stating that Hulu + Live has limited OTA local network channels, was incorrect, I was confusing that fact with SlingTV limited local channel availability.

I got burned previously by DirecTV a few years ago when I bought an extra stand alone HD DVR receiver (Non-genie), from thier online website, to replace an 15 yr old HR24 that was acting up, but when I attempted to activate it, they said the receiver was obsolete and they would not activate it, since it was not a direct replacement for my old HR-24 DVR receiver.  When I threaten to stop service , I did get a $40 discount on my bill for 12 months, the catch was ( which they neglected to tell me at the time), that I was locked in to my package for  another 24 months, so after the 12 months my monthly bill went up by >$40.

I still have a couple months left on my obligation, without paying early termination penalty, Though how much that penalty is up for debate, as I have emails from DirecTV that states it would be $10/mo for each month left on contract, but when I call DirecTV about the early termination fees they claim it would be $20/month.

But I will likely make a switch to DTV Stream via internet (from DTV Satellite service) provided the Gemini interface is something my wife can handle and understand and not too different from what she is use to.  It should still save me $30 per month in cost (Stream compared to SAT service), since there are less/cheaper TV Access and EQ fees. That is of course after up front costs for additional Gemini devices i may choose to by, either from DTV or ebay or Solid Signal.

@pinballtom I've had Directv Stream with T-Mobile 5G Home Internet for about a year and I'm happy with it.  If you're in an area that has 5G cellular coverage, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is a good choice for Internet.  If you have T-Mobile cell phones, you can get Home Internet for about $30 a month.

@pinballtom The interface between Directv Sat. service and Directv Stream/Via Internet using the Gemini/Osprey device would be basically the same so your wife should have no problems using it.  It is when you go into using other devices such as Roku/Firestick etc. that the format is different and less user-friendly.  You can find Gemini/Osprey devices on eBay just make sure the seller accepts returns in case the box will not connect.  You can also find Gemini/Osprey boxes on Amazon also.

I just switched internet service from Xfinity/Comcast @ $88per month to Verizon 5G home internet service for $25mo. No data limits, no EQ costs with price locked in for 10 yrs, if we keep family plan mobile. So for no problems, only difference is speed is now 100-200 Mbps compared 400mbps with Xfinity.

.........to replace an 15 yr old HR24 that was acting up, but when I attempted to activate it, they said the receiver was obsolete and they would not activate it, since it was not a direct replacement for my old HR-24 DVR receiver........

The above should have read a R-22-100 DVR receiver, not HR-24, though my old receiver was converted to be able to receive HD by a DirecTV tech some yrs ago.

I also noticed that the DirecTV website has been updated in past couple days to explain the differences between via Satellite or via internet a bit better

and better explain costs plus all associated fees a bit better.

Also a bit easier to navigate the website.

I also noticed that when I go to manage my equipment and edit where each piece of EQ is located, it actually allows me to do so, where as before i was never able to make the change (edit).

Though it is still difficult to figure out how to make changes to my account and service, and does not readily make it obvious as to how to make the change from Satellite to via internet service and what price i would be charged without having to sign up for a 2 yr term contract. ( which appears to be the default choice)

Prefer to do it all online without having to call and talk with DTV customer serivce/support.

@pinballtom  At this time there is no way to transfer your account from the Sat. service to the Streaming service. I would recommend setting up your Directv Stream/Internet account before canceling your Sat. service just to make sure that you like the service.  When creating the new account you will need different login credentials from your Directv Sat. Account as using the same ones would cause confusion between the 2 different accounts. Unfortunately, you would still need to contact Directv Customer Service to cancel your Sat. Service as there is no way to do this online.

I have got a couple of months left on my DTV satellite contract obligation. In meantime I will try out some of the other live tv via streaming services. Forget cable too expensive. Giving Sling TV a try now, do not care for the interface, but like the fact I can view for free any OTA channels I can get with my antenna and the Sling app on Roku. Next might try YouTube tv and/or Hulu + live tv  ( hopefully thru a free trial) to compare their interfaces, but thinking I will have to settle  with DTV Stream via internet for the cable like interface experience to make wife happy.

@pinballtom Good luck you never know you may find something you like better while doing your free trials.