DirecTV Stream Box or Gemini Air

They have the exact same features the only differences between the two are the original Stream Box has the option to plug ethernet directly into it instead of just using WiFi.  The Gemini Air is completely WiFi-based and the unit can be hidden behind your TV so that you do not see the device.  Other than that the Gemini Air also has a little more storage space on the device itself.

Thank you for that.

I did notice the the Gemini was able to assign an actual channel number to a streaming app like Amazon Prime and it actually shows up in the guide, which was pretty nice. Can the Stream box do this?

I did notice that the Gemini was able to assign an actual channel number to a streaming app like Amazon Prime and it actually shows up in the guide, which was pretty nice.

Is the Stream box able to do this?

Yes, on the Directv Stream box prime video is on channel 193 for me. 

Wonderful - just what I was looking for. Too bad I can't set it as a Favorite though.

Is Gemini an "add-on" to my HR54-200 or would it replace it and add streaming capabilities? 

I just signed up again and got the Gemini air but I can see all my local channels through the DIRECTV app. Is there any reason to bother setting this up if the app seems to show my channels? Other than maybe taking it on the go with me, I don’t see the point 

What device are you running the app on?  The Gemini device has some advantages over using the app on other devices (direct channel access, voice control, some shortcuts that make some common actions easier), but the basic functionality of playing video (from "live" channels, on demand, and recordings) and scheduling recordings can be done from the app on any supported device.  The available channels depend on your plan, not the device you use.

And if anybody has a similar question to the one @RichInWi had a few months ago...

Gemini (C71KW) has two firmware versions. One is for DirecTV (the satellite service), where it is like a Mini Genie Client with additional features. The other is for DIRECTV STREAM or the alternate DirecTV via Internet (still streaming-only but equipment is 'leased' with 24 month service agreement similar to original DirecTV).

Gemini Air (a dongle, WiFi-only version) is for the streaming service only. It doesn't have an Ethernet option that the main Gemini does.

As mentioned, the Gemini has the option of a traditional TV experience with the remote (channel numbers being one of the biggest features). It is more for the traditional controls, but the apps in general can be fine though preferred on a streaming box (Roku, Firestick, etc.) and not a app directly on the TV.