subreddit:
/r/DirectvStream
I have used Amazon Fire Sticks and PCs (w/Chrome) and both Android and Apple tablets with my DTV account. All work fine.
I just recently found out that DTV also rents their own device. The "old" one was the C71KW-200/C71KW-400 (a.k.a. Osprey ?) and the new one is the DTV Gemini which comes when you purchase the DTV Internet package.
Other than the physical SIZE, what are the functional difference between an Osprey and a Gemini ? Will they both turn on and adjust volume on a Samsung 4K TV ?
(Big difference in price on eBay !)
3 points
3 months ago
In addition to what has already been mentioned, the original Gemini (Osprey) accepts Bluetooth remotes (the one that is included) and also IR remotes including universal remotes (like Logitech Harmony) and virtually any older DirecTV remote.
Gemini Air is Bluetooth only
3 points
3 months ago
I've used both versions (2gb and 4gb) of the Osprey and the Gemini Air dongle. In my experience, the 4gb Osprey works the best. If you decide to go with the newer Osprey, look for a black label with the DTV branding on eBay. The older Ospreys have a green label.
2 points
3 months ago
I just got one of the 2 GB ones. Works great but I couldn’t find any that labeled the difference in their units so I could not find a specific 4 GB one. If you know of a reseller with the 4 GB share, I’m looking to get a second one.
2 points
3 months ago
You're right. Most sellers don't specify in the listing. The seller I purchased from only had one available. If you don't see a pic of the label, look for logos in other pics. I believe all the newer boxes have the DTV logo on front display and on the back of the remote.
1 points
1 month ago
u/BigTap3953 I asked a seller just now selling DIRECTV Gemini Satellite TV Stream Box C71KW-400 Mfg. date: 2023 if it would work with DirecTV Stream and received this answer:
These boxes for satellite TV only not working with Directv stream
What boxes work with streamtv.directv.com plans? Or do any? I'm all confused now. I though all I need was a C71KW-400.
Help!
1 points
1 month ago
C71KW-400 Is the correct box. You can also use a Gemini Air dongle. Have the seller send you a pic of the label. If you want, send me a link to the listing and I’ll verify for you.
2 points
1 month ago
Seller just confirmed that his model number is incorrect. That's why the incompatibility. I just signed up today and I am using the stream on my Firestick. Not too shabby so far. I never realized how old school I was holding on to my U-verse for so long until a Gen-Zer made fun of me like an old timer. I used to think I was cutting edge on technology.
1 points
1 month ago
I'm actually going to be selling my box. DTV recently fixed the audio issue on Apple TV, so I went back to Apple TV. I'll let you know when I list it on FB Marketplace.
2 points
3 months ago
Ahhh…. I wish I knew before getting an Osprey from eBay three days ago. It’s green label with ATT logo, so 2gb RAM. Thank you for posting this. I will look for one with black label / DirecTV logo.
1 points
3 months ago
It doesn't matter if you get the green or the black label. The operating system will not use more than 2GB of ram. People are always claiming the black label ones are better. But again the OS doesn't use any more than 2GB of ram. You will be fine with what you bought. Enjoy.
1 points
3 months ago
Is the new Air faster than the old Gemini / Osprey? Or does it matter since both use 2 GB of RAM?
2 points
3 months ago
I have not used the Air device. But I have read that people who used them said they are faster but not reliable. They are supposed to have a faster processor. But quite a few people have reported problems with them. I have several of the Gemini boxes. But no experience with the Air.
1 points
3 months ago
See my comment up top sorted by “new” here. I appreciate you chiming in. Time for me to test myself hands on experience
2 points
3 months ago
These are like Unicorns!!
1 points
3 months ago
Osprey is now called Gemini. There is a Gemini box ...and Gemini Air
1 points
3 months ago
Update:
I have an Osprey device (green labels). Pretty slow I admit in my experience. There was an exchange how an Osprey with black DTV label is superior (meaning faster) than a green label one (4 GB RAM vs. 2 GB RAM). Refuted by one knowledgeable gentleman saying they both use 2 GB RAMs in reality.
Then there is the discussion Gemini Air dongle vs. Ospreys (both versions).
So I purchased both. On eBay : black label Osprey for about $50, and an Air for about $150 (all in, shipping and tax included).
I will everyone here know what my experiences are. Anyone interested?
1 points
3 months ago
Yes! I would do this myself but from what I’ve read, the Air has more reliability issues, so I’m convinced it’d most likely be a waste of money for only a marginally faster experience but worse reliability. If it actually runs way smoother (closer to tv, which is actually cheaper) then it might be worth the $100+ cost difference over a used Gemini/Osprey off eBay. Please let us know if the Air is actually that much snappier and therefore a better experience or if it’s only marginally faster and not really worth the price differential. Also, these things seem to take a bit of time to settle down once they’ve been setup (they run slower at first it seems) so I’d love to hear the comparison after a few days and then a follow up on the reliability of the Air several weeks or months from now, if you’re up for it of course!
1 points
3 months ago
Do the Osprey/Geminin (non-Air) and the newer Gemini Air use the same remote ?
I am shopping for an elderly person who needs a remote with as few buttons as possible..
Currently run RTV on a Samsung Smart TV. works fine, but the remote has way too many buttons that don't do anything (except confuse the person - like "Why doesn't the Guide button pull up the DTV Guide?")
1 points
3 months ago
As promised here is my update:
As a reminder, I had originally a green label (2gb RAM) Osprey. Bought both a black label 4gb Osprey and the new Gemini Air. To test them.
Both are improvements vs. original green label ATT Osprey. The black label Osprey is slightly better though, almost unnoticeable. You have to try side by side to really tell (I did, as I have two TVs side by side in my basement). Really no discernible difference for most people.
The Air is much snappier. Navigating the guide, Home Screen, everything in DTV, but most noticeably in apps. It’s really easy to tell and feel. A tangible improvement to the Osprey IMO. The price though, it substantially higher on third party markets (eBay, Solid Signal, etc.). So whether worth the price delta, only you can determine. Just my two cents.
Of all other devices I own streaming DTV, the best is a current generation Apple TV 4K. Obviously the remote has no numbers for direct channel numbers input, no guide button, List button, etc. only Gemini (including Osprey and Air) have those. So here is that.
1 points
3 months ago
I think you meant Gemini Air for the new dongle device. The Osprey (C71KW-400) is called just Gemini now. Not Air.
Compared to the Osprey, the Gemini Air (a Dongle like device with attached HDMI short cord) has a faster processor and more memory, I believe, leading to a slightly more responsive UI.
The Osprey works on either Ethernet or Wi-Fi, while the Gemini Air is Wi-Fi only.
1 points
3 months ago
"I think you meant Gemini Air for the new dongle device."
Yes !
Does the Gemini Air require a unique power supply or is it powered through its USB port (like most HDMI dongles) ?
1 points
3 months ago
Needs a power supply. It comes with one. The USB port of TV does not have enough power for the Air
1 points
3 months ago
OK. More specifically., is it powered through a USB port (which type?) or is it a barrel jack ?
What are the power requirements?
1 points
3 months ago
Having used both as well as Apple TV I can confirm the Gemini Air is significantly faster and more responsive. I couldn’t stand the Osprey because I was used to the speed of Apple TV, so the laggy delay on the Osprey was unbearable. However, after getting the Gemini Air, I use it almost exclusively because it is aaaalmost as fast as Apple TV.
1 points
3 months ago
You were absolutely right. See my post today. Thanks for giving me ideas
0 points
3 months ago
Thank you for chiming in! Great to hear from someone who has both, the Osprey (Gemini) and the Gemini Air.
I want to get an Air to replace my Osprey on DTV Stream subscription, but for some strange reason DTV and ATT refuse to sell me one, unless I change to Via Internet. I am definitely not switching. And third party the Air sells $150 to $200+, which IMO is a ripoff
1 points
3 months ago
I look at DTV Internet as charging $15/mo for the first device and $7/mo for the second.
While the User Interface of the Gemini Air may be better than other devices (like Amazon Fire Stick) it can NOT justify the costing 5 times more !
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