New Gemini Box

[Scott Greczkowski]

The following is from Reddit. -
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/DirectvStream/s/orzHBkmqQW

There appears to be a new DIRECTV Gemini OTT box, the C81KW-650.

The FCC listing is partially available, and a Geekbench entry confirms it uses an Amlogic S905X5, a solid SoC for a set-top box.

I also see 4GB of RAM, and the manufacturer is SEI Robotics.

DIRECTV C81KW OTT Box - Android TV Guide

Ok found a picture of the Box too on Reddit:


View: https://www.reddit.com/r/DirectvStream/comments/1twlex0/comment/opzeqi1/

 

[b4pjoe]

And from the photo it appears to have an Ethernet port unlike the Gemini Air.

 

[dtv757]

Probably go early to tell but is this for sat or streaming customers

 

[b4pjoe]

Probably go early to tell but is this for sat or streaming customers

Just a guess but I would think streaming only like the Gemini Air.

 

[Arctic_fox]

Probably go early to tell but is this for sat or streaming customers

i bet streaming subs

 

[Arctic_fox]

DIRECTV C81KW OTT Box - Android TV Guide

DIRECTV C81KW OTT Box full specifications - Android TV Guide

www.androidtv-guide.com

 

[b4pjoe]

Some DIRECTV Stream customers have received emails from DIRECTV about testing this new box. Gemini (V2) C81KW-650

Test DIRECTV's new streaming device

 

[GRB1959]

A new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming possibly becoming available in January of 2027? That would be welcome news.

I have been exploring leaving Dish DBS ever since a software update around Aug. 10, version H711 and now H712, is causing problems with IR signals and the Dish Hopper 3. As a result my Sofabaton X2 universal remote no longer works perfectly as it did prior to the H711 and H712 Dish Hopper 3 firmware updates.

I have been a little leary of the current hardware available for DirecTV streaming as the Gemini Ospry box fits my needs, however they are getting a little long in the tooth and finding the 4GB RAM (SKU: 60233) Osprey box complete with remote and power cable is somewhat challenging. I see that the 2GB RAM Osprey boxes (SKU: 60164) can be found on Ebay and at Walmart online used, however a 4GB Osprey box is preferred.

Now I wonder if I should just wait it out until the new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming becomes available. I want a box with an Ethernet port and the Gemini Air is WiFi only. If the new Gemini box does become available in January of 2027 will it be lease only via DirecTV or will we be allowed to purchase them?

 

[b4pjoe]

Now I wonder if I should just wait it out until the new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming becomes available. I want a box with an Ethernet port and the Gemini Air is WiFi only. If the new Gemini box does become available in January of 2027 will it be lease only via DirecTV or will we be allowed to purchase them?

Going by their recent practice I would guess if you get them from DIRECTV you will have the $10 per month lease fee.

 

[slow_poke_pete]

A new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming possibly becoming available in January of 2027? That would be welcome news.

I have been exploring leaving Dish DBS ever since a software update around Aug. 10, version H711 and now H712, is causing problems with IR signals and the Dish Hopper 3. As a result my Sofabaton X2 universal remote no longer works perfectly as it did prior to the H711 and H712 Dish Hopper 3 firmware updates.

I have been a little leary of the current hardware available for DirecTV streaming as the Gemini Ospry box fits my needs, however they are getting a little long in the tooth and finding the 4GB RAM (SKU: 60233) Osprey box complete with remote and power cable is somewhat challenging. I see that the 2GB RAM Osprey boxes (SKU: 60164) can be found on Ebay and at Walmart online used, however a 4GB Osprey box is preferred.

Now I wonder if I should just wait it out until the new Gemini box for DirecTV streaming becomes available. I want a box with an Ethernet port and the Gemini Air is WiFi only. If the new Gemini box does become available in January of 2027 will it be lease only via DirecTV or will we be allowed to purchase them?

there leased at 10.00 per box. unless you can find em at ebay or wally world where people have gotten em before. or you could get a roku apple tv firestick if you don't need the channel numbers

 

[GRB1959]

there leased at 10.00 per box. unless you can find em at ebay or wally world where people have gotten em before. or you could get a roku apple tv firestick if you don't need the channel numbers

I appreciate the reply. My wife will be using this as well so a numeric keypad to change channels that actually works is a must and I want it to have a hardwired Ethernet port so that leaves the Gemini box as my only real choice.

 

[slow_poke_pete]

I appreciate the reply. My wife will be using this as well so a numeric keypad to change channels that actually works is a must and I want it to have a hardwired Ethernet port so that leaves the Gemini box as my only real choice.

oh and channel master did make a numeric keypad for the apple t.v. i don't know if they still do and if that would work with dtv channel numbers!

 

[KyL416]

The DTV app doesn't respond to channel number inputs on 3rd party devices.

 

[slow_poke_pete]

The DTV app doesn't respond to channel number inputs on 3rd party devices.

This is good to know!!!

 

[Tom Speer]

PUBLIC INFORMATION SUMMARY: DIRECTV's New Streaming‑Only Device (Model C81KW‑650)

I asked ChatGPT to summarize what is publicly known about DirecTV's new Streaming box. Here is what it said:

DIRECTV has a new streaming‑only device undergoing testing, publicly identified as model C81KW‑650.FCC filings and Reddit posts show it uses an Amlogic S905X5 chipset with 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, Wi‑Fi 6, Ethernet, and support for modern codecs including AV1 and H.266.It runs Android TV 14 and is manufactured by SEI Robotics.

Performance is significantly improved over the Osprey‑based Gemini and Gemini Air, with a faster CPU, stronger GPU, double the RAM, modern codec support, and better connectivity.

The FCC lists it as an OTT device, and all public information indicates it is intended for streaming service only.No official release date has been announced.

Making it also function as a Genie client would only be a matter of software, but that would not be able to use all the advanced codecs built into this device. That is clearly not a near term priority for DirecTV, if they ever do it at all.

 

[b4pjoe]

Here is what Google Gemini says about it:

The DIRECTV New Streaming‑Only Device (Model C81KW-650) is the successor set-top box to DIRECTV's original Gemini hardware (C71KW). Manufactured by SEI Robotics, details about the device emerged through FCC filings and hardware benchmarks.




It represents a significant performance upgrade over previous DIRECTV hardware.

Hardware & Performance Upgrades

• Processor (SoC): Powered by the Amlogic S905X5 chipset featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A510 CPU (2.0 GHz). This offers roughly a 35–40% performance increase over the older Broadcom chipsets, resulting in much faster app load times and UI responsiveness.
  
  
  
  
• Graphics: Upgraded to an ARM Mali-G310 GPU.
• Memory & Storage: Equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage—a substantial jump from previous models that allows smoother multitasking and plenty of space for third-party streaming apps.
  

Software & Connectivity

• Operating System: Runs Android TV 14 out of the box.
  
  
  
  
• Wi-Fi Upgrade: Includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, replacing the older Wi-Fi 5 standard for more stable wireless 4K video streaming.
  
  
  
  
• Expanded Codec Support: Supports 4K Ultra HD with AV1, VP9, H.264, HEVC/H.265, and support for future-proof VVC/H.266 video playback.
  
  
  
  
• HDR & Audio: Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Core Ecosystem Features

• DIRECTV Experience: Retains full integration with DIRECTV's unified interface—combining live satellite or internet channel guides with third-party streaming apps downloaded via the Google Play Store.
• Voice & Smart Controls: Built-in Google Assistant voice navigation and Google Cast support.

 

[dishstaller]

I want it to have a hardwired Ethernet port so that leaves the Gemini box as my only real choice.

The Roku Ultra series (the larger square box models that attach via hdmi) have ethernet ports

 

[b4pjoe]

The Roku Ultra series (the larger square box models that attach via hdmi) have ethernet portsView attachment 194992

This thread is about the new box for the DIRECTV Stream service. And yes it has an Ethernet port also.

 

[dishstaller]

This thread is about the new box for the DIRECTV Stream service. And yes it has an Ethernet port also.

I didn't just mention this for no reason.....see posts #10 and 11 where Roku was clearly brought into the discussion. I'm NOT trying to hijack a thread but ADD information to it.

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

I know a few people who have gotten one and I am told like most modern streaming boxes this one also has HDR on all the time.