does gemini replace your dtv receiver?

Are you a satellite or DirecTV Stream customer?

What equipment models do you currently have?

i am a satellite customer

Hi @beccadelgado, we appreciate your interest in getting a Gemini device. For DIRECTV Satellite, you will need 1 main receiver which can be a Genie or Genie 2 and the rest can be either Genie mini, Genie wireless or Gemini receiver. Each of your TV will only need 1 receiver connected. Know more about our Gemini device here: https://www.directv.com/support/article/000091357 Thanks for choosing DIRECTV. 💙 Christian, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Moving your post to the DirecTV Satellite Forum. 

Right now I have a Genie Gen 3 and two genie minis for the 3 tvs we use for directv.  I thought the Gemini replaced the Genie Gen 3 but I guess I have to retain it to access the dvr and the satellite programming?

If you're happy with your current equipment then there's no need to change. 

Yes, that's correct! You need the main receiver to access the satellite programming. - Lorie, DIRECTV Community Specialist

The C71WK Gemini is just another mini client except it can act like a streaming device to watch programs from streaming services without having to change the TV input/source.

@beccadelgado 

The Gemini is a Client so functions like a Mini Genie. Even follows the same model numbering (C71KW).

The difference is that the Gemini supports streaming apps (similar to Roku, Firestick, etc.). Plus it is the only box (so far) that has the option of both wired and wireless.

Each TV needs their own box. Since you have a Genie and 2 Mini Genies already, you don't get a lot out of replacing a Mini Genie with a Gemini. If they were more plentiful like years ago, I would have replaced Mini Genie with HDDVR (i.e. HR24).