Gemini -- Multiple Disappointments

Technically the Gemini doesn't get the 4K channels none of the minis can, you need an HS17 Genie2 to get those channels. AFAIK channels 104/105 are documentary channels that repeat while the rest are PPV and a few live sports.  The last Genie that supported caller id was the HR44.

I was plenty explicit when I asked about the Gemini & 4K programming, and I was clear that I had an old (pre-4K) Genie.  So, you are telling me that the DirecTV "specialist" misinformed me about the ability of my system to take advantage of my 4K TV.  Add that to my disappointments.

That representative suggested that I would be able to view 4K programming via the Gemini when I am viewing a streaming service that supports 4K.  I see that Amazon Prime does have "Top Gun Maverick" in 4K.  Should I look forward to viewing it in 4K?

AFAIK the Gemini is not suppose to work with what appears is an HR44 you have, the HR44 can record 4K PPV it doesn't get the 4K channels.  Only an HR54 Genie or the HS17 get the 4K channels.

The question is whether I can view 4K programming via Amazon Prime, Max, Hulu, etc. via the Gemini?  I'm pretty sure DirecTV doesn't have a sufficient offering to interest me.  I'm already paying too much for pay-per-view programming, and the documentaries are not worth it.

You don't need a Gemini to do that any streaming device connected to the 4K TV will work or using the TV apps as will the Gemini.

1. There are only a few 4K channels. Not all is PPV, but true 4K content is limited.

3. The DirecTV website is going through updates with the new co-owner, but though some functionality is fluctuating, it is available. What happens when you try to use it?

5. The remote should be a RC7X series (Genie or peanut-style). That has been used since the 2nd generation Genie (HR44). The old remote is outdated and was designed for the earlier models. If you need a special remote, you can get an aftermarket universal one such as a Harmony remote.

7. Caller ID hasn't been supported in years. It was just left to run in the legacy software as-is. It only supports Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS), so newer VOIP ones are not supported. It was only to encourage you to be connected as in the old days it was needed for ordering PPVs by remote and to receive software updates. Now those updates come directly from the satellite, PPVs are ordered by internet connected, and more people are using cell phones with no traditional landline. The HR44 was the last model to have a phone jack, but is the first model that receives the new GUI software that removes the menu option for Caller ID on TV. DirecTV cannot be expected to spend money and resources on a dying feature that doesn't support their service.

The HR44 was only for 4K testing on PPVs in the early days. Once properly launched, to get 4K you must have the 3rd generation Genie (HR54) or the Genie-2 (HS17) as your main box and then a 4K Client either Mini Genie C61K or Gemini C71KW.

It is still the early days of 4K. And I mean actual true 4K where the program is made in it. Most "4K" from providers is old content upscaled to look good on a 4K TV, but wasn't made in that resolution. We are in a HD (720 or 1080) world with 4K in the beta/prototype early days still.

We appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback about our Gemini device, @looknsee. We keep working with content providers to expand our 4K content offering. We'll share your suggestions about the shape of the buttons, the skip 30 seconds feature, the timing of button lights, and the caller ID with our team, as our goal is to give you an unmatched viewing experience. You can check more about the Gemini through this link: https://www.directv.com/support/satellite/article/000091357. We'll meet you in a private message to assist you with the login on our website. Christian, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Okay, a couple of days ago, I watched the USFL playoff on one of the 4K channels.  The picture looked nice, but with my poor eyesight, it wasn't much of an improvement.  The audio, however, was clearly better.  There it was, 4th quarter, with maybe 4 minutes left in the game, and the trailing team had the ball inside the 10 on 4th down.  Then up pops a screen that says "Thanks for watching Live Sports in 4K".  It was 7:00 PST, the scheduled time slot was over.  No other programming scheduled on that channel.  Nice (not).

Here is a picture of my two remotes.  The one on the left is the remote for my old original Genie, and the one on the right came with the new Gemini.  Some observations:

1. Missing from the Gemini remote is the "Skip Ahead" or "Slip Ahead" button, looks like "-->]".  This is the button I use the most (by far) on the old remote.
2. On the old Genie remote, the buttons surrounding the "Select" button all have distinct shapes.  On the Gemini remote, all the buttons surrounding the "OK" button are basically the same shape.  It's difficult to tell what button of this group you are touching on the Gemini remote.
3. The number buttons on the old remote are larger, and the "5" button has a little bump on it.  On the Gemini remote, the buttons are smaller, spread out a bit, and all feel the same.  It's hard to tell which number button you are touching on the new remote.
4. The buttons just seem a little more spread out on the new remote, and they are strictly in a grid.  
5. Overall, it's difficult to determine which button you are touching because all of them feel alike.
6. As I mentioned, it's nice that the buttons light up when pressed, but the implementation falls far short:
   1. Lighting up AFTER you pressed the button is too late.
   2. The light is pretty dim -- not bright enough for my poor eyesight.
7. It's not clear to be the difference between "Last", "Back", "Prev".
8. On the old remote, using the left arrow button would back out.  Not so on the new remote, and it's not clear how to mimic the old left arrow button functionality.

I have an advanced computer science degree specializing in user interfaces.  This new remote needs work.  I'd suggest watching beta testers trying to use these remotes, maybe with some kind of key logger.

Ok you have the Gemini remote. Sorry, I was thinking the old white universal remote (RC6X series) vs Genie remote (RC7X series).

Upon launch the Gemini (or Osprey) was just for DIRECTV STREAM. Being launched for regular DirecTV is recent and still going through some testing days. Perhaps they will  redesign the remote from this, but only time will tell.

Perhaps someone in a partially official capacity (the forum "help" team) can pass on the suggestion. Alternatively a BBB complaint to send to the corporate level if you feel it is warranted to go that high. Being this is a public community that is mostly other customers, we can only guide you on the use of the equipment and service but not bring feedback to those that make the decisions and design choices.

What is a "BBB complaint"?

Better Businesses Bureau

A couple more comments about the remote:

1. I keep accidentally pressing "Prev" when I want to press ">>>" -- they are right next to each other & are in the same shape.  And when you press "Prev" accidentally, it's not that easy to recover.
2. Another use for the "Skip/Slip" button ("->|").  If you have a long recording & you start playback, a timeline appears at the bottom of the screen, and it's usually divided into 15 or 30 minute segments.  If you are going any speed of fast forward, pressing "Skip/Slip" jumps to the next segment boundary.  That's handy.

Use the right arrow button next to the ok button to skip ahead 30 seconds,But it does it slower than the Genie did before adding Gemini

I've also found that the spoken interface works kinda okay.  I can press the microphone button, say "Skip ahead 3 minutes", and it kinda does.