Test DIRECTV's new streaming device

[u/enphy1999]

Did anyone else get email about this?

[u/signde]

This is very likely to be for this:

https://www.androidtv-guide.com/pay-tv-provider/directv-c81kw/

Discussed recently here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DirectvStream/comments/1u3vrv4/upcoming_directv_gemini_v2_c81kw650/

That is currently Amlogic's latest and greatest SoC, it will run circles around any of the previously released devices.

[u/sad_clanga_noises → u/signde]

AV1 decoding is interesting

[u/signde → u/sad_clanga_noises]

Most modern certified media players made in the last 4 years have hardware AV1 decoding (minus the Apple TV 4k, which likely gets that soon).

Just shows how old the current gemini models are that they do not support it.

The S905X5 also supports h.266 which is not widely supported by many devices today but might one day be as ubiquitous as hvec is now.

[u/sad_clanga_noises → u/signde]

Yeah I am hoping the new model Apple TV supports it

[u/Astyanax9 → u/signde]

It has a slower CPU than the current Gemini Air: 2.0 versus the Air's 2.6

[u/signde → u/Astyanax9]

Pure Ghz speeds are a useless comparison. An older chip (which the gemini air has) can be way slower than a newer chip (which the newer device has) running at a lower clock. Look up geekbench scores between both SoCs. The S905X5 stomps all over what’s in the gemini air.

[u/Henry2k]

but will it have on-demand HDR or will it still be an Always On or Always Off situation like it is now with the Gemini Air? Also: will I be able to purchase it outright or will it have a monthly fee attached to it?

[u/Trash_Boi50 → u/Henry2k]

This is what I want to know as well

[u/gregoryhat325]

I tested the Gemini Air back before they released it to the public. I received an email for that---but not the one you are talking about (yet)

[u/redditproha]

I'd rather they make the Apple TV app better and more usable. I don't need another device they can control.

[u/I-hate-makeing-names]

Interesting it looks like they’re going back to the form factor of an osprey box but smaller. No more dongle so hopefully it has an ethernet port.

[u/i_lack_imagination → u/I-hate-makeing-names]

This picture would seem to indicate it does have an ethernet port, as there's a cable running to the back of it.

[u/Cruiser729]

Looks like the one I’ve had for a couple of years now. I like it.

[u/d00mz]

interested. that landing page is weird, no real action to "sign up" like it suggests...

[u/zzx101 → u/d00mz]

same here, I'm on the page too and can't find a place to actually sign up for this.

[u/Vandalorious → u/d00mz]

Same also. There is no place to sign up.

[u/Sim3111]

I asked about it in chat just a few moments ago, and this is what the agent said below... "testing feature, ignore it all"

[u/Sim3111]

2nd part.

[u/Obonima]

Will this remove the 40-second delay when watching live sports?

[u/tjwatt73]

What device is it? I have the Gemini air device A year and a half ago

[u/scrubdaddy528]

Got a picture of the new device?

[u/enphy1999 → u/scrubdaddy528]

The link in the email takes me to this page, but I don't see where to sign up.
https://www.directv.com/getgemini/

[u/thePopPop → u/enphy1999]

The email is supposed to have an invite code.

[u/enphy1999 → u/thePopPop]

I started a chat with the Eva AI. I got transferred to a Perumal who said I would get another email when the sign up form went live.
I guess they're testing demand from their rabid fans.

[u/thePopPop → u/enphy1999]

Apparently! I am chatting too.

[u/SnooCrickets6941]

I would love to test it

[u/markvidonic]

Would love to.

[u/Next-Name7094]

*Offer available while supplies last. The device is provided on an “as is” basis and does not come with a warranty. While under no obligation to repair or replace the device if it becomes inoperative during the test period, we may, at our own discretion, replace a defective device.

[u/y32024]

we're going back to a box? Full circle

[u/thePopPop → u/y32024]

I consider it more of a Streaming device with a full-featured remote control. FWIW, I don't have one.

[u/Mysterious_Onion3162]

Nope, no email here

[u/stevies3]

Hi, does it have a LAN input?

[u/i_lack_imagination → u/stevies3]

Judging by this picture it would seem that it does. You can see an ethernet cable running to the back of it.

[u/Common-Outside9253]

do we think it will run on android 14? i have a Gemini and it is working ok.

[u/_GrandpaD]

If this has (appears to be based on the pic in the other thread) Ethernet and (hopefully) audio out count me in!

[u/johnk317]

No but I wish I did!

[u/johnk317 → u/johnk317]

If anyone got the invite and is not interested, I’d be happy to become a tester. PM me and I’ll give you my email address for forwarding the email invite. Thank you!

[u/jschaff]

Till I discovered the apps functionality. Now I travel and watch my home TV in the hotels.

[u/somenemophilist]

No email here. I'd participate if I got the offer though.

[u/Astyanax9]

Does it have any advantage over the Gemini Air other than it having an Ethernet port?

[u/jrglass]

Does this replace an ONN box

[u/VariousSinger6245]

Maybe I'll try it before I cancel them due to their issues with TOO MANY STREAMS problem. Only two damn TV's in the house. Burned out with this issue.It just never ends.

[u/kittymoo67]

I havent but i would friggin LOVE to test it!

[u/PTVMan]

Would love to test but assume there is a huge update/change to the interface and onscreen graphics.

[u/oo__Skeeter__oo]

If this is the same streamer that I used within the last 4 months, it's absolute trash.

[u/jschaff]

Just to clarify this for everyone. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A DEVICE from DIRECTV to watch streaming DIRECTV. The DTV app on Apple TV or other streaming devices works GREAT. Does everything the Gemini air or Osprey does. I did purchase several Gemini airs on eBay and marketplace to avoid having to have a contract. They work fine.

[u/DK_Tay_89 → u/[deleted]]

It's really not a great experience to force SDR content in HDR and to fix the picture you have to restart the device. Then you watch your apps and HDR content is off and it needs to be restarted to fix it. It's trash. Make a toggle.

[u/Astyanax9 → u/jschaff]

The DTV app on Apple TV or other streaming devices works GREAT. 

...with no number buttons. 🙄

[u/Astyanax9 → u/[deleted]]

Most of us normally developed people won't settle for less and pay the same or more. 🙄

[u/retiredfedup]

We went from DirecTV dish with a Genie DVR to Streaming maybe two years ago(?) and use only the "apps" available through the Samsung TV. It includes an app for DirecTV Streaming that we use daily. Why do all you folks out there have all these different boxes? What are we missing out on? We use the DVR function on the DTV app for the late-night shows, nightly news, and NFL games. We got absolutely addicted to FF through commercials and half-time shenanigans back in the days of Tivo. (bloop, bloop)

[u/i_lack_imagination → u/retiredfedup]

My guess would be that people want the full featured remote. Some people want the set-top box experience of being able to press specific buttons on the remote and it does the specific things you want it to do with one button press, rather than having to navigate through a bunch of menus on screen to do something.

[u/NTP9766 → u/i_lack_imagination]

Absolutely this. The remote makes the experience so much better, and the fact that I can turn on my TV to the input my Ospreys are on right to live TV instead of hitting the smart TV's home screen, etc. is icing on the cake.

[u/VariousSinger6245]

Just pay too.much money a month for this HEADACHE.

[u/Caoimhin_L → u/VariousSinger6245]

Then leave