Gemini Air Reliability

The original DIRECTV STREAM Osprey Boxes model C71KW-400 have not at all been discontinued. Mind you, the Gemini Air is still theoretically in beta, so there is no reason for DIRECTV to discontinue the Gemini at this moment. 

Due to the product being in beta testing, only certain subscribers have been able to actually get the Gemini Air at all. The box itself would definitely work better with Ethernet wired connections ( I’m not sure if it has an adapter of some sort for Ethernet right now though). Wireless WiFi with the box is likely the same as the DIRECTV Osprey/Gemini.

@detuch254  New customers do not have the option to get a box---only the air. I've had an air (beta) for a couple of months. Wifi is pretty stable. No issues for me. 

As of today 07/31/2023, may experience as an existing Stream customer is that I can only order new Gemini Air devices, or refurbished Osprey boxes.

Also, when I created a new account and attempted to order, I could only select the new Gemini Air devices.

@tmallardi  You are correct. New customers get the Air. I've been using mine for two months now in the Beta. Wifi is really stable. No issues with mine. As reliable as ethernet

Are they charging the same amount ($120) for the dongle as for the "box"?

@Jrandomuser Yes, $120 outright purchase, or $10 per month for 12 months.

@Ludwick577 Thanks for the feedback on the Air device. I'm going to order one and begin my own evaluation.

@tmallardi - are you a “DirecTV via Internet” subscriber or a DirecTV Stream subscriber?

@Jrandomuser - I am a DirectTV Stream subscriber. 
What is DirecTV over Internet? Is that perhaps a new option for existing satellite accounts?

Per the directv.com site, “DirecTV via Internet” is their new streaming plan.  The site shows just DirecTV, which is delivered 2 different ways: “via Satellite” and “via Internet”, with the implication that the 2 were the same other than their delivery method.  They aren’t, and a later chart admits that to a degree.  “Via Satellite” is traditional DirecTV, with the only obvious differences being that Gemini devices are offered as functional replacements for the older Genie Mini set top boxes, and because of that, they offer a streaming fallback if the satellite connection fails. “via Internet” is Stream, with Gemini devices offered (one included), plus a 24 month price lock, but with somewhat different prices and some added fees (an “advanced receiver fee” and an explicit sports fee).  

Stream as it was is still available, but harder to find on the homepage, and no longer shows Gemini/Osprey as available.  Some Stream subscribers have indicated here that the no longer see a way to order them - hence my question.  (I have a grandfathered plan dating back to DirecTV Now days - I’ve never been able to order them from DirecTV.)

I have had mine for about 4 months or so and have no issues connecting to my wifi. I have moved it to different locations to test its wifi connection and have had no issues thus far in my home.  The only thing that I would say is miss leading about the device is it says it has 15GB of storage and in reality, it only has about 8GB.  Other than that I have not had any major issues that I could not resolve myself with a reset of the device.

Yes, I noticed internet connectivity issues yesterday.  The router is in the same room as the Gemini Air.  I have to say I have been less than impressed with this Gemini Air device.  More of a frequent issue is the Audio/Video sync.  It's terrible and becomes unwatchable.  I have tried to restart , reset, unplug the device but the issue comes back after trying all three of those.   I much prefer the regular Gemini device which is much more stable. 

@scott07002 - That's very interesting feedback. I'm concerned that the Air device is cheaper quality. I appreciate your comment.

@Tiger593 - What brand Wifi system do you use?

I installed three of the Gemini Air devices about a week ago. Setup for two out of the three went smoothly. The third wouldn't which ended in a call to Direct TV. They had me do a "hard" reset, in which you are required to hold the reset button down for at least 60 seconds, which I would've probably never figured out on my own. You then have to go through the complete setup process again.

Since the install, I've had a couple of irritating issues.

The first is with the wifi connectivity. I have a TP-Link Deco mesh network and a couple of the devices sit right next to the tvs, so there shouldn't be any issues with picking up the wifi signal. But sporadically, the signal is dropped but so far has re-connected without any intervention on my part.

The second issue is with the "fast forward" function. There is a small window that pops up that is supposed to give you an indication of where you are at in the recording as the fast forward function progresses. But it is very inaccurate to the point that when you release the button you have no idea where you will be in the recording. Has anyone else had this issue or is there something else I should know about how that function works?