| HughesNet, Dish Network, and DirecTV share | | | | television programming onto a hard-drive similar to |
| similarities as satellite products and services. Dish | | | | a computer. Instead of using outdated VHS tapes |
| Network and DirecTV both offer satellite | | | | and a VCR, DVR users are able to record onto |
| Television signals; HughesNet offers broadband | | | | their converter boxes and even schedule |
| satellite internet. Unfortunately, it is not possible | | | | recordings, no one has to be present during the |
| for Dish Network or DirecTV to be merged with | | | | showing. |
| HughesNet onto one satellite dish or one bill. All | | | | Dish Network and DirecTV both operate on |
| systems require a separate satellite to be | | | | one-way satellites - this means you are only |
| mounted at your home or business and require | | | | receiving incoming information like a television |
| different equipment such as a modem or | | | | channel. HughesNet operates on a two-way |
| converter box. HughesNet, Dish Network, and | | | | system; its satellites both receive and send |
| DirecTV all require cables be run to connect to | | | | information back and forth to your home. This |
| the converter boxes or modem inside. The way | | | | enables HughesNet to download and upload large |
| the cables are routed and the installation only | | | | files at broadband speed via the internet such as |
| differs slightly. | | | | photos, files, and large emails. Sizes of the satellite |
| The current equipment offered by DirecTV and | | | | dishes slightly vary from company to company. |
| Dish Network is also very similar, both companies | | | | Dish Network and DirecTV essentially use the |
| are currently offering a free DVR (digital video | | | | same size satellite dish. HughesNet uses a slightly |
| recorder) with each new subscription. A DVR is a | | | | larger dish in order to receive a stronger signal for |
| device that allows you to record your favorite | | | | improved two-way communications. |