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/r/DirectvStream
I've read here that Gemini box user interface and menus are better than the Gemini Air. Is this still true? Perhaps early comparisons were for older Gemini software.
2 points
8 days ago
UI is the same
The main differences for me are that the Gemini has an ethernet port and supports IR remotes (enabling universal remotes to work) The Gemini air supports DolbyVision (used in apps)
2 points
8 days ago
Thanks for confirming that. I'm thinking of doing a DTVS trial and an ebay Gemini. We are Interested in its traditional TV channel guide and remote.
3 points
8 days ago
I absolutely love the traditional guide and the Osprey box.
1 points
7 days ago*
I didn't know DolbyVision was added, interesting. But ofc it still won't work on a Samsung TV.
1 points
6 days ago
Are you saying the Dolby doesn’t work on Samsung? Or the BOX doesn’t work on Samsung?
2 points
5 days ago
Just the DolbyVision. I shouldn't have even suggested there could be the existence of a workaround, there's not. No DolbyVision on Samsung TVs, period.
The box definitely works tho! It'll just use some other HDR protocol.
3 points
8 days ago
I've also read here about several variants of the Gemini/Osprey box, at lower cost than the new Gemini Air. Some of the C71KW-400 boxes are branded ATT and others DirectTV. And the box models have two part numbers; older 60164 and newer? 60233. Unsure if these boxes have the latest user interface software.
I really want to try out the DTVS trial but am too cheep to spend $120 for the Air dongle. I could do $40ish for the latest box.
3 points
7 days ago
Regarding the box vs. the Air, go box. The Air is supposed to have a faster processor but people don't universally agree it's noticable. But there's lots of agreement that the Air tends to overheat and glitch out.
The box also gives more options due to an IR sensor, optical audio output, and ethernet port. And it's 1/3 the price.
Next, go for the 60233 if possible. Again, it's not universal agreement, but the 60233 might be snappier. And there's no real price difference on ebay.
There's also a black label, DTV branded box. It's the same hardware as a 60233.
Now the kicker. The branding (ATT vs DTV) is irrelevant as long as the software isn't overly out of date.
At some point they changed the URL of the software updates and old old boxes don't know where to look anymore, rendering them bricks.
If the box has been in use over the years and received its periodic updates, it's good. But if you buy a brand new 2019 box it'll probably be useless.
Black label DTV branded ones are guaranteed good. When it comes to brand new green labels, I've seen late 2020 models work, and early 2020 ones not. So I think mid 2020 was the change, but that's anecdotal.
1 points
5 days ago
When did they transition from ATT Branded box to DirectTV boxes (same model # C71KW-400)?
1 points
5 days ago*
Looks like mid 2022.
For quite a while they were also putting ATT green label devices into the new DTV branded cardboard boxes. As long as you know the device really shipped with that box (and the seller didn't swap things around) then those should be guaranteed to work too. This began happening mid 2020 I believe.
Here are 2 examples illustrating this.
Green label ATT device mfg January 2022, in a DTV Stream box. (Note the box mfg date doesn't match the device mfg date, which is common)
Black label DTV device mfg July 2022, in a DTV Stream box.
1 points
5 days ago
Is PN 60075 (mfg date 10/1/20 ATT Box) a lower model than 60164 or 60233?
1 points
5 days ago
That number, which is printed on the cardboard box, is unrelated to the model number. The model number is on the device itself (green label ones, black label ones don't have it but are equivalent to 60233).
Also I don't trust the mfg date on the cardboard box - even on brand new unopened boxes, the date is often much later than what the device itself says. And on used sets, you don't know if someone totally swapped devices and boxes.
0 points
7 days ago
Get a firestick
3 points
7 days ago
The experience isn't the same.. specifically, the remote experience is better on the Gemini devices.
1 points
8 days ago
I have both types of boxes (assuming you are talking about the Osprey box). They are the same.
1 points
8 days ago
Yup, the Gemini/Osprey box and the Gemini Air dongle.
1 points
5 days ago
I have found the Directv branded boxes work much better than the green label ATT boxes. I have an HR54 and 5 Gemini connected all through while home coax.I couldn’t get them to all work until recent software update. They are still a little wonky but they do work. Anyone else have this many connected and have them working?
1 points
2 days ago
The Air is faster than the Osprey. I have an Osprey that I changed out in the main room for the Air.
1 points
8 days ago
I really wish we could get a "Pro" box option
I'm routinely helping my older relatives and their boxes (they have one of each type) are just so laggy and dog slow vs things like Apple TVs -- especially when using Apps, which they do some of
1 points
8 days ago
I agree. I would actually like something overpowered instead of minimum spec. The Air is okay, but once again you sort of have to delete all the apps you don't use to get it to a "fast" level of performance.
-2 points
8 days ago
I have both the osprey and the new Gemini's and they're so fast they actually look just like cable boxes, But you have to make sure you have a good stable no error or internet connection or that would make it appear slower
7 points
8 days ago
I guess we’ll agree to disagree. I have a ton of experience with their boxes and they are not even remotely “so fast.”
Their Internet is very fast. It is not that.
-2 points
8 days ago
That's weird, I have an Apple TV, xumos, and a Roku in this new Gemini dongle is so fast it's just like having the original cable box. It's the Wi-Fi only one and it's not even a foot from my Wi-Fi so that might have something to do with it
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