Gemini Satellite

I tried that with two Geminis and they both look exactly the same. The Genie minis used to look perfect. Geminis look terrible. 

We're sending you a DM for our technical specialist to help with your picture quality issues. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Team

Hello, I had that problem too.  I went back to the mini 4k Genie.  The problem is the picture is from an ethernet cord and not a wired coax cable.  If you have access, try streaming your directv on your current tv, using the directv app (you have access to stream it, even though its satellite service). You will notice its some what the same picture.  Best picture is always coax cable to satellite box...Good luck.

The technician first installed them wirelessly with a bridge and I thought that might be the problem. I have the adapters to use the coax, but obviously the gemini can only use ethernet. It looks just as bad. I think it's worse than the app to tell you the truth. The picture looks so washed out. Almost like a cartoon. The genie minis were perfect. Thanks for your help. 

I would like to return the Geminis. I'm with Directv for over 20 years and they still charge me $240 for two of them and make me commit for 24 months. And I don't even own them. I can't buy from a third party because Directv won't activate any box they don't sell. Boxes really work terrible. I don't even care about the penalty anymore. Thinking about just cancelling service. 

We value your loyalty and would be sad to see you go. Please check your inbox for a DM from us, so a specialist can further assist. Rizza, DIRECTV Community Team

You can always buy a box on ebay.  The boxes are selling from $20 ish.  However, before you buy, make sure you have the serial number of the box and call Directv customer service and they can verify the box can be added onto your account.  

I bought a few from ebay and they wouldn't activate any of them. Told me only if I buy from them. 

@Pauliedog 

You cannot buy boxes to own (such as eBay) anymore.

You can purchase from Authorized 3rd party dealers (such as Solid Signal), however that is at the one-time lease cost and still with 24 month service agreement. (Though it goes from day box is installed/activated, not tacking onto the end of your current agreement).

Having 20 years doesn't mean you can get a multitude of boxes free. When it has been at least 24 months of active service with account in good standing since your last upgrade/adding additional box, you should be eligible for a free upgrade. That is for a single box. The only exception is if you are upgrading to your first Genie setup, then you might get up to 3 Mini Genies as part of the deal (so exclusive Genie special).

Unfortunately, upgrades have no buyer's remorse. Once installed and activated, the upgrade is final. After that it is the troubleshooting process you go through.

@movieman2024 

If you are on DIRECTV STREAM, the bring your own device (BYOD) model, you can get Geminis owned. But anything for satellite (Gemini, Mini Genie, or anything else) is lease-only and is not permitted to transfer customer to customer. They did away with owned options shortly after the launch of the original Genie (HR34).

That means the OP cannot get a Mini Genie Client from eBay to replace their Gemini. Either the seller would have a non-returnable model they didn't understand was to be recycled, didn't realize they had to return (so will end up with a non return fee), or it is stolen equipment the seller is trying to find a patsy for.

If you're a customer for over 20 years at $300 a month a company can waive the fees for at least one box. I understand I can't get a "multitude of boxes free" and you can keep your opinions to yourself. 

@Pauliedog 

Not a guarantee. Afterall agents work within the options they are allowed to by how the system is built. You may feel it is proper they give additional free boxes above the built in perk, but that doesn't mean they actually have the option.

I was just giving facts and a realistic perspective on how this actually works (to multiple posters as I clarified in my recent response since there is a significant difference between eBay and authorized retailers). This is a public forum, so telling someone to keep their opinions to themselves is counterproductive and against the intention of the forum. By posting in a public space you are inviting open discussion and opinions, even if you don't agree with them. This isn't an echo chamber after all.

You must really enjoy being a condescending (Edited per community guidelines). Enjoy yourself.