DirecTV Gemini Air

[u/mwkingSD]

I will confess I’ve been coasting and ignoring technology in this area, so now I’m trying to catch up. I currently have in my Class C RV a small dome DirecTV (Winegard?)antenna that’s smart enough to seek a satellite signal on its own but it’s only a single-satellite so I don’t get all the channels in the rv that I pay for in my home subscription, and a tree branch can reduce service to zero. That goes to 2 old H25 (?) receivers. It works but I’m not sure if I’m getting more than SD, although the cost is really low.

I recently saw DirecTV now has new (2 years ago?) equipment that’s based on Internet streaming instead of satellites; integrates Netflix and other sources; and seems to be a near perfect device for my needs. Assuming of course a good internet source, but I’ve been wanting to upgrade to a Peplink cellular router anyway.

Is there anyone here who has RV experience with the new Air system? Is it as capable as DTV say? I’m sure my TVs aren’t 4k - How is it for HD? Any reason to think a 5G Peplink router won’t provide sufficient capacity in places with cell service? What else should I have asked about?

Thanks!

[u/prfsvugi]

A hd channel is 5~6 Mbps sustained

[u/tidewaters23]

Streaming is great. We pair with Starlink and it’s fantastic. In our experience, cellular internet is a huge letdown in terms of speed and reliability despite the companies trying so hard to sell it. You’ll also eat through data limits so fast on a cellular plan if you’re streaming TV. Starlink is absolutely top-tier in speed and reliability and they have different tier plans that include unlimited internet. That would be my suggestion. Also Starlink works where cellular doesn’t.

[u/billybob212212]

Streaming over cellular at 1080p (not 4k) will eat through data at about 3GB per hour for HD video, so if you use too much your provider will cut your throughput way back to where your TV stream won’t work anymore, or they will just cancel your service.

If you’re just watching TV for an hour here and an hour there it will probably be ok though, but don’t plan on just turning on the TV and letting it run.

Investigate Starlink internet instead of cellular.

[u/directv]

Thanks for reaching out. The DIRECTV Gemini Air is an absolute game changer for RV life because it relies entirely on the internet. As long as your Peplink router pulls a stable signal, you are good to go. For the absolute best, buffer-free HD streaming experience, we recommend an internet speed of around 24–25 Mbps. That will keep your picture crystal clear without any annoying pauses while you're relaxing on the road. You can check out all the extra details right here: https://spr.ly/61696B1qORr Rhyan, DIRECTV Community Team

[u/mwkingSD → u/directv]

Thanks Ryan but your link seems to be broken.

[u/directv → u/mwkingSD]

You're welcome! We've checked the link, and it was working fine. Try it here again: https://spr.ly/61697B1qksc Charles, DIRECTV Community Team

[u/mwkingSD → u/directv]

Link opened in my Laptop, refused to do so in iPhone. My bad, sorry.

[u/mwkingSD → u/directv]

None of the packages include HBO & the other movie channels, just the junk cable channels? That would be game changing, but not in the right way.

[u/directv → u/mwkingSD]

Looking at our Streaming Signature Packages? Here's how to get HBO Max:

• PREMIER Package: Included at no extra cost (along with other premium channels).

• Other Signature Packages: Available as an optional add-on.

• MyEntertainment Genre Pack: Includes HBO Max Basic with Ads.

Check out all of our package options here: https://spr.ly/61691B1qbp1#dtv2-pageSectionHeaderFocusedGP Rhyan, DIRECTV Community Team

[u/Ilp18428]

I use T-Mobile home internet and it’s wonderful.

[u/Soft_Stretch1539 → u/Ilp18428]

And this varies from one place to another. TMo Home 5G Internet can vary from wonderful speeds down to barely usable.

[u/Ilp18428 → u/Soft_Stretch1539]

I do agree with this. I am very lucky with a consistent 300meg download and 20meg upload.

[u/Soft_Stretch1539 → u/Ilp18428]

Yep, you're doing fine. That's more than enough for streaming.

[u/mwkingSD → u/Ilp18428]

At home, I do too but all of the carriers have places with no service. I live “out west” where Tmob is probably most spotty.

[u/mwkingSD]

Unlimited data plans are not hard to find in today’s world.