Has anyone switched their DirecTV from satellite to internet?

June 19, 2025, 01:31 PM

Got my fiber internet installed today, 1Gig both up and down. Woohoo!

Part of the plan was to switch DirecTV from the satellite connection to streaming over the internet.

I'm getting confusing/conflicting information from the bozos at DTV:

1. First guy claimed satellite was more reliable than "streaming". If there is anything LESS reliable than my satellite service, I haven't run across it yet.

2. Second agent had no opinion on reliability but suggested a "Gemeni Air" as the way to go and started droning on about "voice remotes" and "dvr" and blah, blah, blah. Then she said seeing as I already have a satellite account, I need to contact their streaming team via phone (above is via chat) to change over.

3. Installer said "Roku". I understand about Roku for streaming Netflix and such, but wasn't aware (and don't believe) you can get your existing DTV package over Roku.

My expectation is to change over my receiver box from satellite to internet and be done with it other than maybe some password/MAC address/SSID issues.

Am I missing something here?

(Oh, and the salesman said they "have a DTV guy" but the installer said "Nope, we don't deal with DTV." A salesman blew smoke up my ass...what are the odds?)

June 19, 2025, 01:43 PM

Johnny 3eagles

We dumped the Directv roof dishes (2) and went to streaming. It is much better, especially in heavy rain, no rain shadow, no snow buildup on the dishes. Just better.

1. Bullship.
2. Maybe. Don't remember.

3.Yes, buy the Genie thing for each tv. Easier to operate than using third party. We do have a firestick on one tv and navigation between menus sucks.

June 19, 2025, 01:45 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
We dumped the Directv roof dishes (2) and went to streaming. It is much better, especially in heavy rain, no rain shadow, no snow buildup on the dishes. Just better.

That's my expectation as well.

June 19, 2025, 01:46 PM

stoic-one

As I understand it, there are actually 2 distinct services.

quote:

DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet are both streaming services from DirecTV that deliver live TV channels over the internet. However, they differ in how you access the service and their pricing structure. DirecTV Stream offers a no-contract, on-demand experience accessible through a wide range of streaming devices, while DirecTV via Internet typically requires a 2-year contract and comes with a dedicated streaming box.
Key Differences:

Device Access:
DirecTV Stream lets you use your own devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc., while DirecTV via Internet comes with a dedicated Gemini box (or requires an advanced receiver service fee).

Contract:
DirecTV Stream is a no-contract service, while DirecTV via Internet usually requires a 2-year agreement.
Price:
DirecTV Stream can be cheaper, especially if you are looking to save on device costs, while DirecTV via Internet may have a fixed price for the duration of the contract, potentially including fees for the Gemini box or advanced receiver service.
Features:
Both services offer a similar channel lineup and features like cloud DVR, but DirecTV via Internet may have a slightly different channel selection and feature set.

Which is right for you?

DirecTV Stream:
.

If you prefer flexibility, no contract, and the freedom to use your own devices, DirecTV Stream is a good choice.
DirecTV via Internet:
.
If you value a more traditional cable-like experience with a dedicated box and a price guarantee for a set period, DirecTV via Internet might be suitable.

I'll watch this because I'd been thinking about the Gemini since it operates very similar to a Comcast DVR, best I can tell...

June 19, 2025, 01:49 PM

Johnny 3eagles

You guys were posting while I was editing my responses. Read mine again.

Any questions I'll be glad to help.

Gemini, not Genie

June 19, 2025, 01:53 PM

Johnny 3eagles

Y9u can add APPs to your Directv stream home page, like Netflix, Paramount +, Amazon Prime, YouTube, many mant more.

No installer needed. And during setup it will search for your Wi-Fi signal, you sign in, boom, you're up and running.

My internet connection is through T-mobile 5g Home Internet. Extremely reliable. Internet at my house is 100% wireless. Even my PC uses a Wi-Fi dongle. No cables anywhere anymore.

June 19, 2025, 02:00 PM

stoic-one

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
You guys were posting while I was editing my responses. Read mine again.

Any questions I'll be glad to help.

Gemini, not Genie

Mind if I ask what experience has been with the Gemini dongle?

Sorry for the diversion, OP.

June 19, 2025, 02:01 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by stoic-one:
quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
You guys were posting while I was editing my responses. Read mine again.

Any questions I'll be glad to help.

Gemini, not Genie
Mind if I ask what experience has been with the Gemini dongle?

Sorry for the diversion, OP.

Im interested as well.

June 19, 2025, 02:10 PM

Johnny 3eagles

Experience? I plugged them in to power and in to a USB port on the televisions. Initial setup That's it. No what, I don't know, nothing. They just work, always. One is plugged in on a Sharp 55 inch tv we bought in 2009! One is on one of the Samsung curved 55inch thats maybe 10. The Directv Gemini just works...always. You don't have to touch it again.

The supplied remote operates the tv and Gemini. Once setup you can forget about the Gemini.

QUESTION: Is it difficult to use?
ANSWER: My wife has no problem with it, she's 81 and has memory issues.

June 19, 2025, 02:10 PM

PASig

I'd recommend dumping DTV entirely, both the dish and the idea of doing the DTV Stream

1. Get a Roku stick set up on your TV
2. Sign up for YouTube TV and set up on Roku

YTTV replaces cable boxes and dishes and gives the most complete channel lineup of any of these internet TV services.

Roku Streaming Stick

YouTube TV Plans

You don't need to mess with any other devices as YTTV has Cloud DVR and on-demand out the wazoo

You can put Netflix, Hulu etc and whatever other streaming services on the Roku streaming device and just put a Roku stick on each TV you own if you have multiple.

I love the Roku, it's got a very easy to navigate interface where every streaming service shows up as a tile:

June 19, 2025, 02:14 PM

WaterburyBob

We went from DTV via satellite to DTV streaming last year.

It's less like expensive for us by $100, more reliable, and as said above you can easily add in your apps.
We have Netflix, Prime and ESPN+ and can switch to them easily.
One remote does it all.

A nice difference for us (probably because of the really old satellite receiver we had) is the ability to restart live programs if you weren't there when they started, and you can go back and watch previous episodes if you missed them.

The Gemini single runs a little hot. We've had to restart it 4-5 times in the year we've had it, but it's been pretty reliable.

June 19, 2025, 02:39 PM

SIGguy229

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
We dumped the Directv roof dishes (2) and went to streaming. It is much better, especially in heavy rain, no rain shadow, no snow buildup on the dishes. Just better.

1. Bullship.
2. Maybe. Don't remember.

3.Yes, buy the Genie thing for each tv. Easier to operate than using third party. We do have a firestick on one tv and navigation between menus sucks.

YES--all of the above.

We made the switch from dish to fiber. Much prefer the streaming

June 19, 2025, 03:17 PM

PHPaul

Done and dusted.

The rep was VERY helpful and persisted through a complete clusterfuck because my physical address doesn't register on their system. This is a common problem for me as the Maine system of County/Town/Village confuses the hell out of automated systems. I live in the TOWN of Gouldsboro, but I'm physically in the VILLAGE of Prospect Harbor which has a different zip code.

That let to all sorts of issues with their system but we found enough work-arounds to get 'er done.

Also very logically, they'll cancel my satellite service at the end of this billing cycle which gives me a 14 day overlap to receive and install the streaming equipment.

All in all the most pleasant and satisfactory experience I've ever had with DTV. Usually they're a HUGE pain in the ass to deal with.

June 19, 2025, 04:05 PM

Johnny 3eagles

Once you get your hardware, if you have questions, I'll try to help.

June 19, 2025, 04:14 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by Johnny 3eagles:
Once you get your hardware, if you have questions, I'll try to help.

Thank You. I don't anticipate any problems, but you know how that goes...

June 20, 2025, 12:16 AM

StorminNormin

I had satellite Directv because my internet sucked for a little over 15 years. The very second I FINALLY got fiber internet with fast speeds I ditched the satellite with Directv and moved to their streaming, which cut my cost in half! No more paying for each receiver. Hell, they didn’t even want them back and told me to throw them away.

I also can now record an UNLIMITED number of shows unlike with the receivers. I also can watch live or recorded shows from any TV that has the app or from my iPad no matter where I am in the world.

The difference is night and day and you save money. Switch now! If you are being told anything else, it is total BS!

On my smart TVs, I use an Amazon Firestick to watch Directv, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, etc.

June 20, 2025, 11:00 AM

HRK

Dumped the Satellite and went with Streaming DTV on FireSticks, we already had them on most tv's.

No monthly fees for equipment since we don't run DTV boxes. An advantage to a FireStick or an Android box is you can jailbreak it and add apps that are not in the Amazon App Store.

I don't think you can do that with Roku or the DTV streaming box.

June 20, 2025, 11:29 AM

Johnny 3eagles

DirecTV gives access to the Google Play Store. There is no monthly charge for the DTV Gemini device. It is a one time purchase. Monthly charge is for a streaming service, regardless of the number of devices.

June 20, 2025, 12:09 PM

Gustofer

I’m getting a new roof put on and am seriously considering getting rid of DirecTV and scrapping the dish. A couple of hundred bucks a month for a bunch of movie channels (with very few decent movie offerings that I care to watch), sports (that I don’t watch except for some college ball in the fall) and Newsmax. I also have AppleTV+ with Movies, Prime, and Netflix (so the movies are covered), ESPN+ (to watch my fall college ball), and Newsmax. So why in the hell am I giving DirecTV a couple hundred a month? Yeah, it’s going bye-bye.