Directv Gemini Receiver - C71KWX Question

mitchellga

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Dec 8, 2025
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Florida
I am currently a Directv Stream customer.using the Directv Gemini Box when it was branded AT&T. When I go into my account to add more devices, although it shows the AT&T box as my equipment, it is just allowing me the option to add the Gemini Air. Does anyone know if I buy the C71KWX from another source such as Solid Signal if it will work either hardwired to the Internet or wirelessly? Thanks!
 
I am currently a Directv Stream customer.using the Directv Gemini Box when it was branded AT&T. When I go into my account to add more devices, although it shows the AT&T box as my equipment, it is just allowing me the option to add the Gemini Air. Does anyone know if I buy the C71KWX from another source such as Solid Signal if it will work either hardwired to the Internet or wirelessly? Thanks!
I believe your account only lists devices you got from AT&T/DIRECTV. You can add as many more devices as you please and you don't need to add them into your account. Just login with your username and password and follow the setup instructions. There are no extra charges for 3rd party devices including the Gemini Air.
 
I believe your account only lists devices you got from AT&T/DIRECTV. You can add as many more devices as you please and you don't need to add them into your account. Just login with your username and password and follow the setup instructions. There are no extra charges for 3rd party devices including the Gemini Air.
Yes, You're right about what my account lists. My concern is whether the Gemini box will work vs the Gemini Air.
 
Yes they both work with the streaming service.

Yes they both work with the streaming service.
So will this work even though it says satellite dish required. It's sold by Solid Signal
 
If you acquire a C71KW-400 that has been configured for use as a Satellite client, you need to reset it to factory settings by holding the red button down for at least 20 seconds.
So will this work even though it says satellite dish required. It's sold by Solid Signal
 
So will this work even though it says satellite dish required. It's sold by Solid Signal
I am not sure if you get a satellite Gemini if a factory reset will return it to streaming status. You can get the streaming boxes cheaper from either Walmart or eBay. Just make sure the eBay seller has a good return policy just in case. This seller on eBay has a good reputation.


Price is $41.99 for a Gemini device at that site.
 
I am not sure if you get a satellite Gemini if a factory reset will return it to streaming status. You can get the streaming boxes cheaper from either Walmart or eBay. Just make sure the eBay seller has a good return policy just in case. This seller on eBay has a good reputation.


Price is $41.99 for a Gemini device at that site.
Thank you!
 
If you acquire a C71KW-400 that has been configured for use as a Satellite client, you need to reset it to factory settings by holding the red button down for at least 20 seconds.
So will this work even though it says satellite dish required. It's sold by Solid Signal
 
So will this work even though it says satellite dish required. It's sold by Solid Signal
I have never done that, so I can't say for sure. I did once reset a satellite configured C71K-400 while totally disconnected, configured it for Wi-Fi, and it seemed to be trying to set up for DirecTV Stream. The may have updated the firmware so that doesn't happen anymore.

The Solid Signal listing is inaccurately calling this a satellite receiver when it has no satellite tuners in it. It would require more than a satellite dish, specifically it would need a DirecTV Genie server (HR44, HR54 or HS17) AND a satellite dish to be used as a Satellite client. But I don;t understand why you would pay $219, for one of these when the former Osprey boxes are available much cheaper all over the Internet.

DirecTV Stream is trying to get their customers on the Gemini Air. If I were a Stream customer looking to add another box, I would be looking for a deal on a Gemini Air.
 
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I have never done that, so I can't say for sure. I did once reset a satellite configured C71K-400 while totally disconnected, configured it for Wi-Fi, and it seemed to be trying to set up for DirecTV Stream. The may have updated the firmware so that doesn't happen anymore.

The Solid Signal listing is inaccurately calling this a satellite receiver when it has no satellite tuners in it. It would require more than a satellite dish, specifically it would need a DirecTV Genie server (HR44, HR54 or HS17) AND a satellite dish to be used as a Satellite client. But I don;t understand why you would pay $219, for one of these when the former Osprey boxes are available much cheaper all over the Internet.

DirecTV Stream is trying to get their customers on the Gemini Air. If I were a Stream customer looking to add another box, I would be looking for a deal on a Gemini Air.
You're right. I'm not sure if they have updated the firmware so that it won't work as a streaming device and yes they are inaccurately calling this a satellite receiver.

The only reason I'm asking these questions is because I want to able to use one remote for all of my devices. I currently have one URC remote which controls my TV, Apple TV and the old Osprey AT&T box. We are moving into a new home and I want to get 2 more of the boxes instead of the Gemini Air because I won't be able to control the Air with my URC remote.

The question I also have is am I going be sacrificing picture quality for the convenience of being able to use one remote on the Osprey box instead of going with the Gemini Air. Do you know? Thanks!
 
You're right. I'm not sure if they have updated the firmware so that it won't work as a streaming device and yes they are inaccurately calling this a satellite receiver.

The only reason I'm asking these questions is because I want to able to use one remote for all of my devices. I currently have one URC remote which controls my TV, Apple TV and the old Osprey AT&T box. We are moving into a new home and I want to get 2 more of the boxes instead of the Gemini Air because I won't be able to control the Air with my URC remote.

The question I also have is am I going be sacrificing picture quality for the convenience of being able to use one remote on the Osprey box instead of going with the Gemini Air. Do you know? Thanks!
I don't think you will be sacrificing picture quality. I use the Gemini remotes for my systems. It does a nice job of controlling my TV, Gemini and AVR receiver using IR for the devices that need it. I discarded my "universal remotes" long ago. I do have to use the AVR remote when I am not watching TV. I didn't know that the Gemini box could be controlled with an IR remote. It seems to require a bluetooth connection.
 
I don't think you will be sacrificing picture quality. I use the Gemini remotes for my systems. It does a nice job of controlling my TV, Gemini and AVR receiver using IR for the devices that need it. I discarded my "universal remotes" long ago. I do have to use the AVR remote when I am not watching TV. I didn't know that the Gemini box could be controlled with an IR remote. It seems to require a bluetooth connection.
Thanks! The Osprey box can be controlled with an IR remote. That much I know for sure because I'm doing just that. Thanks again for your input.
 
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I have never done that, so I can't say for sure. I did once reset a satellite configured C71K-400 while totally disconnected, configured it for Wi-Fi, and it seemed to be trying to set up for DirecTV Stream. The may have updated the firmware so that doesn't happen anymore.
That would seem to be counter productive for a satellite user if doing a factory reset converted it back to stream. They then could not use it any longer for their satellite service.
 
I didn't know that the Gemini box could be controlled with an IR remote. It seems to require a bluetooth connection.
I have used the RC73 remote on the Gemini before but it only works in IR mode. And you have to figure out what buttons do what because they aren't all labeled. Guide and LIST work as does play, FF, and RW as advertised but I don't remember now what key was used for APPS but one of them did. You can also use the old RC66 remotes but the play button doesn't work with it.
 
I have used the RC73 remote on the Gemini before but it only works in IR mode. And you have to figure out what buttons do what because they aren't all labeled. Guide and LIST work as does play, FF, and RW as advertised but I don't remember now what key was used for APPS but one of them did. You can also use the old RC66 remotes but the play button doesn't work with it.
Thanks!
 

Do people still watch satellite TV these days

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