There are a few factors to take into consideration when buying a DirecTiVo. Hughes, Philips, and Sony are all nearly identical. I prefer the Sony because the remote and the ability to control Sony VCRs. Hughes and Philips cannot control any VCRs (yet).

The Hughes unit ALWAYS comes with one hard drive installed. This is favorable for upgrading, but no longer necessary due to better underground software.

The Philips, like Sony, could come with either 1 or 2 drives installed. The Philips is also black which matches most other audio components.

Other than those things, they are the same. All 3 are made in the same factory with the same motherboard, software, and chasis.