Can you use a DIRECTV Gemini without a DVR?

DIRECTV’s Gemini devices are some of the most popular ones we’ve had at Solid Signal in a long time. But, they’re also a little confusing. DIRECTV itself uses the Gemini name for three different devices that run on two different services. So, it can be a little hard for a consumer to know what they have. I’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

If your Gemini looks like this​

This is DIRECTV’s Gemini Air device. It’s not very big and it’s designed to hang off the back of a TV. It’s easy to understand what this device does and doesn’t do. The Gemini Air is designed for DIRECTV’s streaming service, which is called by many names. It’s called DIRECTV Stream, DIRECTV for Streaming, and sometimes just DIRECTV. At any rate, it’s a service that lets you get live TV through your internet connection without a satellite dish.

What you can do with Gemini Air​

• Use the device with one TV (you can get additional ones for additional TVs)
• Use DIRECTV’s Cloud DVR service for unlimited storage
• Use the DIRECTV app on your phone to view your recordings
• Use this device without a standalone DVR or any other satellite equipment.

What you CAN NOT do with Gemini Air​

• Connect to a satellite service
• Use this device without an internet connection
• Use a universal remote (you must use the remote it comes with)

That makes it easy to understand what’s going on with this device. Think of it as the equivalent to a Roku Streaming Stick or Amazon Fire Stick, and you’ll get the basic understanding you need.

If your Gemini looks like this​

Here’s where it gets confusing. There are two devices that look exactly like this. They’re both called Gemini. One isn’t offered to new customers anymore, and that helps a little bit. But, you can’t tell just by looking at the box which one you have. So, here’s a little bit more explanation:

Gemini for Satellite​

The DIRECTV Gemini for Satellite is similar to a Genie client. It connects over a coaxial cable or wirelessly to a Genie DVR in your home. The easiest way to know that you have this Gemini is to press the HOME button on the remote. If the menu looks like this…

…with live TV playing in the upper-left corner, that’s Gemini for Satellite.

What you can do with Gemini for Satellite​

• Use this device with a single TV (you can add more Geminis, one per TV. There is a maximum number though and it depends on your Genie DVR.)
• Connect to a DVR
• Use this device without an internet connection (although you’ll lose access to apps.)
• Connect to a satellite service
• Use the DIRECTV app on your phone to view your recordings
• Use a universal remote
• Keep your recordings as long as you like

What you CAN NOT do with Gemini for Satellite​

• Use this without satellite service
• Use this without a DVR in the home

Gemini for Internet​

The DIRECTV Gemini for Internet was previously known as the DIRECTV Osprey, DIRECTV Stream device, AT&T TV device, and DIRECTV NOW device. It’s used for connecting to DIRECTV’s internet-only service. The easiest way to know if you have a Gemini for Satellite is to press the HOME button. If it looks something like this…

…with live TV playing full-screen behind everything, that is a Gemini for Internet. There’s word that some of the menus on the Gemini for Internet may change, so there’s another way to know if you have Gemini for Internet. If you remember seeing a signin screen like this one:

…where you were prompted for your account information, that’s a Gemini for Internet.

What you can do with Gemini for Internet​

• Use the device with one TV (you can get additional ones for additional TVs)
• Use DIRECTV’s Cloud DVR service for unlimited storage
• Use the DIRECTV app on your phone to view your recordings
• Use this device without a standalone DVR or any other satellite equipment.

What you CAN NOT do with Gemini for Satellite​

• Connect to a satellite service
• Use this device without an internet connection

The Gemini for Internet and the Gemini Air are essentially the same device in different sized boxes. Both are used only for DIRECTV’s streaming device.

So the answer to the question at the top of this article?​

The answer is, if you have a Gemini for Satellite, you can’t use it without having a Genie DVR. For the other two Geminis, you can use them without a Genie DVR but you can’t use them without internet.

If this sounds confusing, or you need more help choosing equipment, call the experts! Our team is here for you during East Coast business hours. Call 888-233-7563 and we’ll take great care of you!


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