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G

New Member

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513 Messages

Monday, July 8th, 2024 5:46 PM

Gemini streaming limitations from wifi limitations

Please read carefully, it's not my setup, nor will rebooting fix anything. This is solely about the inherent limitations in Internet access in a Gemini. And warning: if you think that apps in the Gemini use the internet from the server, you are wrong.

This is on a Genie 2 system with a Gemini although the Genie 2 plays no part in this performance issue.

I have noticed that a speed test app only give me 40 megabits/second from my wifi access point. All my other equipment gets 100+.

I was watching Dune 2 through Plex and got all these buffering halts, and by a day of testing, determined that the 40 megabit limitation was the problem. I finally hardwired (Ethernet) the Gemini and that finally worked. The Plex server is in my house and very fast.

I also noticed using the F1 app was likewise stuttering under WiFi.

What really gets my goat is the limiting of the Gemini to 2.4 GHz, and not even full speed, i.e. channel bandwidth. I'm pretty sure the Gemini (under an older f/w) actually had 5GHz wifi... but that menu is gone.

On top of it all, the Ethernet connection is only 100 Mbit tops!!!   Who makes anything in the last 10 years with only 100 Mbit?

Argh!!!!

Question: anyone find a USB dongle that allows faster wifi? I may also try a media converter in the Ethernet jack to go to wifi, but what a pain!

Greg

ACE - Expert

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20.6K Messages

4 months ago

Most streaming services only need 30/40 megabits/second.

For a 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second, you'll need a minimum of 6-9 Mbps. For 1080p at a higher frame rate of 60 frames per second, you'll need at least 9-12 Mbps. If you're aiming for the ultimate streaming quality with a 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, you'll need a minimum of 25-35 Mbps.

AFAIK DTV is still using 10/100.

New Member

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513 Messages

4 months ago

yes, sorry I did not specify, but Dune 2 is in 4k HDR with 7.1 sound.

the 40k wifi limit just does not work, I thought it was me, but all my other devices work.

What is sad is my LG tv, running the webos Plex plugin works fine, but of course it connects to the SAME wifi 2.4 access point at THREE times the connection rate of the Gemini.

Any ideas to get a faster feed to the Gemini?

Greg

Community Support

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254.4K Messages

4 months ago

Hello, @gregeusa. Thank you for your input. We recommend exploring options at your local store or consulting your Internet Service Provider for suggestions regarding a Wi-Fi extender or USB dongle.

 

We appreciate your insight, @shannon02.

 

Ritchelle, DIRECTV Community Specialist

New Member

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513 Messages

4 months ago

Yep, just ordered a wifi "bridge" that is often used on printers to make them wireless.

wish me luck, but importantly, the Gemini needs better wifi capability and the 100g Ethernet is positively silly in this day and age.

Greg

Community Support

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254.4K Messages

4 months ago

That's good to know. We hope the Wi-Fi bridge will work perfectly. DIRECTV is constantly striving to enhance our devices and services. We will raise your valuable suggestion to our team for a thorough review and determine the next steps.

 


Ritchelle, DIRECTV Community Specialist

ACE - Expert

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20.6K Messages

4 months ago

AFAIK the USB ports are only for charging/powering small devices and for use by the refurbishing department. 

New Member

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513 Messages

4 months ago

maybe on the usb... it would also require a driver be already loaded, although it should be possible with the Android TV...

Directv: the wireless video bridge has nothing to do with running apps on a gemini ... so your comment shows you did not follow this.

By the way, as I was experimenting, the WVB often does not connect after the first reset on the gemini, but if you hit the apps button before it errors out, you can use the gemini without any connection to the server.

Again, if you wait for it to error out (not connecting to the server) you cannot do anything, so you have to be sure to hit the apps button after it boots, but before it errors out.

In any case, we will soon see if my little $25 device will allow a bridge via wifi to the ethernet port, and also at a data rate better than the measly 40 megabits it connects at. Stay tuned (ha ha)

Greg

New Member

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513 Messages

4 months ago

So I have bought a couple of wifi<>Ethernet boxes. Basically a bridge.

By connecting the ethernet to the Gemini, I was able to get 100 megabits into it, tested by the speedtest app (you can get from the app store).

But, when I first connect it, it knocks out the connection between the Gemini and the Genie 2, which is weird, and I need to figure out why, it does not seem to be interference, since I tried 2 bridges, one 2.4Ghz and the other 5Ghz... there may be something going on but I will figure it out. The easiest of course is a normal hardwired Ethernet into the Gemini, which I will be running.

But at least I can watch Dune 2 in 4K and HDR10 and Dolby Atmos now.

Greg


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