Hughes Network Systems Ships Six Million DIRECTVÆ Set-Top Boxes

One Million Boxes Shipped Over Past Six Months

31-Jan-01

Hughes Network Systems (HNS), a leading manufacturer of DIRECTVÆ system hardware, announced the shipment of its six-millionth system. Hughes Network Systems, a subsidiary of HUGHES (NYSE: GMH), is also the provider of the award-winning DirecPCÆ broadband satellite Internet service.The HNS-branded DIRECTV set-top boxes enable TV viewers to experience enhanced satellite entertainment, with access to 225+ channels for movies, sports and pay-per-view events. HNS hardware brings DIRECTV viewers crystal-clear digital pictures and CD-quality sound.""HUGHES, the leader in satellite technology, continues to push the envelope by combining the best in satellite TV with the most impressive digital receiving technology on the market today,"" said Paul Gaske, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Hughes Network Systems' Consumer Division.The boxes feature several trademarked capabilities that allow consumers to optimize their TV-viewing experience. OneLineô Guide presents on-screen program information for any channel in the system without disrupting the channel being watched, making channel surfing quick and easy. Turbo Tuneô allows users to pre-select their nine favorite channels for quick access, while StarSightÆ One-Button Record enables users to select programs to record in advance.""HNS focuses on anticipating the next wave of consumer demand and upgrading our set-top boxes accordingly,"" noted Gaske. ""Clearly, the strategy's working - we shipped our millionth box in January 1999 and now - just 24 months later - our six-millionth box.""Gaske cites this rapid growth as a reflection of a sharp increase in consumer demand for satellite television products over the past six months. ""Our sister company, DIRECTV, is the leading digital satellite entertainment provider in the U.S. because it continues to offer its users a superb package. Our success is also a reflection of DIRECTV's leadership,"" he added.The DIRECTV system is available at Circuit City, Best Buy and major regional CE retailers. Distributors of the HNS DIRECTV set-top system include Consumer Satellite Systems, Diamond Pacific, DSI Distributing, Earth Terminal TV Limited, G.M. Popkey, New World Satellite, Perfect 10, Twenty First Century, Warren Supply and NRTC.For more information about Hughes Network Systems (HNS), visit http://www.hns.com.

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