DIRECTV Gemini Air Review

DIRECTV has completely transformed the home entertainment game with Gemini Air, a solution that breaks off from the company’s long-standing standard satellite setup. You no longer need an appointment for equipment installation. Just sign up for a high-speed internet plan and get the same TV packages and perks with a free DIRECTV Gemini Air streamer. 

Gemini Air is a perfect blend of mini Genie’s capabilities and the advanced features of the DIRECTV Stream device, allowing users to stream their favorite content with just a touch of a button. Join us as we dive into the details of DIRECTV’s Gemini Air and discover how this innovation will impact our in-home entertainment.

What is DIRECTV Gemini Air?

DIRECTV Gemini Air is a new and improved 4K streaming device that brings together the best of on-screen entertainment on a single user-friendly interface. Available at zero cost to new ‘DIRECTV via the Internet’ customers, Gemini Air gives users a chance to watch cable TV, stream on-demand content, listen to music, and play online games without switching platforms or devices. 

Compatible with most HD and 4K TVs, DIRECTV Gemini Air can be used without a receiver/ set-top box. However, an HDMI 2.1 or 1.4 port is a must. Unlike the DIRECTV satellite dish, Gemini Air is an easy-to-use, portable, plug-and-play device. Its Do-it-Yourself (DIY) installation is a simple 4-step process. Just insert the device into an HDMI port in your TV set, plug one end of the power supply into an electric socket, and the other end (USB C) into the Gemini Air. Connect the device to a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi) and use the provided remote control to navigate the user panel.

DIRECTV Gemini Air’s ultra-advanced tech features make it a powerful streaming device. Its Quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, and Dolby audio enhance performance and create cinematic effects in the comfort of your home.   

If you are looking for an ultimate solution to all your TV viewing needs, we are pleased to announce that the DIRECTV Gemini Air is just that. You can watch up to 150 TV channels and over 90,000 on-demand titles, access audio-video content from thousands of pre-installed apps, and record unlimited hours of shows and movies on Cloud DVR for as little as $84.99 per month. 

Continue reading as we unlock the full force of DIRECTV Gemini Air and explore how it is redefining and streamlining TV viewing for a personalized experience. 

Pros 

• A portable standalone dongle for UHD streaming. 
• Compatible with all the TVs with an HDMI port.
• Thousands of in-built third-party streaming apps.
• Includes a voice-activated remote control. 
• Available for free with a DIRECTV package 

Cons 

• A two-year contract is a must for a free device. 
• Needs a high-speed broadband connection. 
• Prone to service disruptions due to inclement weather. 

Key Features of DIRECTV Gemini Air 

You get cutting-edge technology and high-performance TV streaming features with the DIRECTV Gemini Air. The compact and wireless device is purpose-built to deliver top-quality audio-video content in 4K resolution. You can access a vast collection of live and recorded content, without the hassle of heavy-duty equipment (a satellite dish) on DIRECTV Gemini Air.  

So, let’s explore each of its groundbreaking tech features and specifications in detail. 

Access to Live TV 

DIRECTV customers can watch over 150 live TV channels when they subscribe to any one of the four (Entertainment, DirecTV Choice, Ultimate, and Premier) month-to-month TV packages. They can browse the DIRECTV Main Guide to select their preferred channel and stream its live broadcast. They can also press the channel number on their Gemini Air remote control to directly access their favorite networks, including the most popular ones like CNN, NBC, and ESPN, and premium ones like HBO Max, Cinemax, and Starz. 

4K and HDR Output 

DIRECTV Gemini Air allows you to watch your favorite movies, shows, and sports events in crystal clear 4K resolution or ultra-high-definition (UHD) with a 3840 x 2160 pixel count. The high dynamic range (HDR) output ensures you can see every detail on the screen regardless of extreme brightness or darkness in the scene. The lifelike picture output makes the experience more immersive and worth watching. 

However, a 4K streaming quality via HDMI 2.1 and 1.4 ports is only achievable if your TV set supports 4K resolution. Otherwise, the picture quality will be compressed to high-definition (HD) with 1920 x 1080 pixels. So, a 4K-ready TV is vital to witness DIRECTV Gemini Air’s optimal performance. 

Easy Self-Installation 

You can save time, energy, and money by subscribing to the DIRECTV via Internet packages and receiving a small, handly self-installation kit in the mail. 

DIRECTV Gemini Air’s simple plug-and-play setup saves you from the hassle of waiting for a technician to come and install a view-killing dish antenna. Just unbox the starter kit, and use the instruction manual to install and activate your DIRECTV Gemini Air. Trust us, you don’t have to be a Mastertech to get your Gemini Air up and running. 

Lightweight and Convenient 

It still amazes us how something so cute and compact can be a treasure trove of exciting content. The DIRECTV Gemini Air dongle weighs only 66 grams or 3.2 ounces. Its dimensions do not exceed 181.2 mm in length, 48 mm in width, and 15 mm in thickness. The small size and light weight of DIRECTV Gemini Air increase its portability, allowing you to carry it as you switch rooms and devices or travel around the country. You can unplug it from one TV and attach it to the next to create a personal movie theatre in any part of the house, city, or country. 

Enhanced Wi-Fi Performance

DIRECTV Gemini Air uses Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 5 to stream live TV over a high-speed internet connection. The device uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for faster data transmission, allowing you to enjoy buffer-free streaming even during peak hours. 

So, it doesn’t matter if multiple users in the house are hogging the bandwidth because DIRECTV Gemini Air’s Wi-Fi 5 compatibility can easily support multi-device connectivity and handle speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps or 1 Gbps.  

Thousands of Third-Party Apps

DIRECTV Gemini Air’s integrated interface is its biggest selling point. You can log into thousands of preloaded third-party applications like Netflix, Pandora, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more without stepping outside the platform. Just scroll down the list of preinstalled apps to find the one you wish to use, sign in with your credentials, and enjoy a wide variety of audio-visual content for a seamless experience. 

If you are unable to find your app on Gemini Air’s listed offerings, you can select Google Play, go to their app store, type the name of the application in the search box, and download it on Gemini Air. Once installed, you can access the application on the DIRECTV Gemini Air interface. 

Thanks to Gemini Air’s cross-platform feature, you can watch movies, listen to music, and play online games directly on your TV. 

Voice Search

In the case of DIRECTV Gemini Air, the claim “Searching simplified!” holds true. 

DIRECTV’s streaming device comes with a voice-activated remote control. Powered by Google Assistant, you can use the Gemini Air remote to speak and search for your favorite movies and shows. It saves you from the tedious task of surfing through long channel lists/ playlists and typing each letter of the title to find your pick. 

Compatibility with Cloud DVR 

Too busy to sit through an entire episode of The Game of Thrones? No problem. You can record the live telecast on your unlimited Cloud DVR and watch it anytime, anywhere on your Gemini Air. 

DIRECTV Gemini Air is compatible with your Cloud DVR. All the DIRECTV packages include an Unlimited cDVR that can store up to 30 episodes of a TV series. However, a monthly advanced receiver service (ARS) fee of $15 is applicable. You can pair your Gemini Air with the Cloud DVR to record and store your favorite content for up to 9 months and rewatch it in your spare time through the ‘My Library’ tab.  

DIRECTV Gemini Air Pricing

Simple but appealing! Perhaps that is what the DIRECTV marketing team had in mind when setting a price for the innovative Gemini Air. Let us explain. The first Gemini Air streamer is free for new DIRECTV via Internet customers. A small additional ARS fee of $15 per month is charged for leasing both – an Unlimited cDVR and a Gemini Air. 

But if you wish to add more DIRECTV Gemini Air streamers to the plan, you will be charged $7 per month for each additional device. In contrast, existing DIRECTV customers must pay $120 upfront to secure the streaming device. 

You must also bear in mind that the Gemini Air streaming device is available at no cost, given that you sign a 2-year term agreement. Failure to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract can result in a penalty of up to $480!

How Does DIRECTV Gemini Air Work?

Smart or dumb, these distinctions are meaningless to DIRECTV Gemini Air. As one of the most sought-after streaming devices of its time, Gemini Air is on a mission to make tailored streaming accessible to all. Be it a traditional TV like the Sony Bravia OLED 4K or the latest smart TV like the Samsung 4K Smart LED TV, all are compatible with Gemini Air as long as the device supports an HDMI port. 

The main software behind Gemini Air is Google AI. Therefore, the common notion is that it is an Android-based 4K streaming device and requires an active Google account to unlock all its amazing features, e.g., Google Voice Assistant, Google Play, and even Google Photos. 

Another prerequisite for DIRECTV Gemini Air to work is wireless, high-speed broadband connectivity. Once powered on, Gemini Air will automatically search for the available Wi-Fi networks and connect to the internet after you key in the password. 

Let’s proceed to the next section to understand the installation and activation process of DIRECTV Gemini Air. It will draw a much clearer picture of the device’s workability. 

Gemini Air Setup & Installation

The installation process of DIRECTV Gemini Air, from the start to the finish, is as easy as 123. And when we say this, trust us, we are not overstating. A 10-year-old can do it with rudimentary English language skills. Just follow these simple steps to set up your DIRECTV Gemini Air in no time. 

1. Remove the contents on the self-installation kit: a pendant-shaped Gemini Air dongle, the voice-integrated remote control, the power adapter, and the instruction booklet. 
2. Plug the Gemini Air streamer into an HDMI port (2.1 or 1.4) in your TV set, and make sure it is inserted correctly. 
3. Connect the power adapter jack to Gemini Air and then plug the adapter into an electrical outlet. 
4. Press the tiny button on the back side of Gemini Air. A red light will turn on to indicate that the device is working. 
5. Now turn on your TV using your TV’s remote, and switch to ‘HDMI’ as the ‘input source’. 
6. Now pair your Gemini Air remote with the device and TV by simultaneously pressing the ‘forward’ and ‘rewind’ buttons on the remote. A confirmation message on the screen will tell you that the Gemini Air remote is ready to use. 
7. Follow the prompts on the screen to enter your Wi-Fi credentials. 
8. Once your Gemini Air is connected to the wireless internet network, it will ask you to accept an update. Select ‘update’ and play the trivia while Gemini Air loads on your TV. 
9. It usually takes a few minutes for the Gemini Air interface to load. Once the updates are complete, you will be asked to select the location of your Gemini Air from the given options. For example, living room, kitchen, bedroom, kids’ room, etc. 
10. Select the correct location and get immediate access to Gemini Air’s integrated interface. 

You can visit the DIRECTV official guide to troubleshoot technical difficulties during DIRECTV Gemini Air installation or remote pairing. 

Performance 

It came, it curated, and it conquered! That’s how we sum up DIRECTV Gemini Air’s performance. Not satisfied? Okay, let us loop you in with more details. 

DIRECTV Gemini Air is one of the best 4K streaming devices out there. It works with traditional AND smart TVs, given that the TV set has an in-built HDMI port. The streamer uses a wireless broadband connection and advanced features, like a quad-core 2.6 GHz processor, a Broadcom VideoCore 6 GPU, and Dolby audio, to display bright, clear, and lifelike outputs for an immersive experience. DIRECTV’s dedicated 4K content can be streamed in its original ultra-high-definition resolution to catch every detail in the scene. 

With the ease of getting everything on a single device and platform, you can save hours of search time to find your preferred content. 

The only downside is that Gemini Air’s performance is directly proportional to the quality and reliability of your internet connection. You may experience lag and errors while downloading and streaming your favorite movies, shows, music, and games if the internet speeds are slow or inconsistent.  

Fiber internet providers can be your best bet in this case. Over a fiber-optic internet network, you can enjoy symmetrical multigigabit speeds and improved Wi-Fi coverage around the house.   

User Interface

DIRECTV has put in the hard work to make its interface as user-friendly as possible. You can easily navigate between live TV channels, on-demand content, recorded shows, and pre-installed third-party apps, using tabs on the left-hand corner of the page. The carefully designed tabs segregate all the audio/ video content into broad categories like ‘Sports’, ‘Movies’, ‘TV Shows’, and ‘Kids’, to streamline the search. You can even browse the content in alphabetical order as listed under the ‘Sort by A-Z’ tab. 

Another fabulous feature of the DIRECTV Gemini Air is that it has assigned a number to every preloaded app on its interface. This makes the search more efficient, especially when you have more than a thousand apps to choose from. 

Apart from easy access to your cable TV channels, recordings, third-party applications, and on-demand titles, the DIRECTV Gemini Air’s interface is designed to support screencasting from your Android phones and tablets. So, why stick to a teeny tiny screen when you can build a home theatre with a single touch? 

Take a moment to understand this. DIRECTV Gemini Air’s user interface is a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs. It doubles as a traditional cable TV (access to 150+ TV channels), an iPod (access to music streaming apps like Spotify), a desktop (access to online games), a portable Android device (access to thousands of applications), and a home assistant (access to voice-activated Google Assistant) to give you the best of everything in one place. 

DIRECTV Gemini Air vs Competitors

Before we analyze how DIRECTV Gemini Air stands against its competitors, here is a fun fact for you. In the USA, the current number of streaming players is close to 42.7 million, and around 44% of the US households are using both – a TV and a streaming device to meet their on-screen entertainment needs. 

It is evident that the demand for streaming devices is high, and while it works in the favor of DIRECTV Gemini Air, it leaves more room for cut-throat competition. The nation’s top-rated TV service providers have already penetrated the market and are offering similar features at competitive rates. DISH Network, COX, and Comcast are some of the big fishes when it comes to leasing separate streaming devices.    

However, DIRECTV’s Gemini Air beats the competition with its improved search filters, dedicated sports user interface (UI), and an in-built 4K receiver. Take a look. 

Conclusion 

DIRECTV Gemini Air is undisputedly redefining the way we consume media. It is a top-performing streaming player that seamlessly connects to your TV set via an HDMI jack and opens the door to a dreamscape. For no cost at all, you get an integrated platform, giving you access to over 150 cable TV channels, more than 90,000 in-demand TV shows and movies, thousands of installed applications, and recordings of 30 episodes of a TV series. It simplifies searching through its Google-powered voice-search feature and makes TV viewing on the go a dream come true.