I think it has something to do with authorizations, and actual information downloading to the ipad(for the guide and what not) which is why the Internet would be necessary. At home, IIRC, you would still be using Internet. I know, from users on here, that with the sling box, it just acts as a pss through how you are wanting. It doesn't deliver a custom guide or anything like that, so that may be the biggest difference. So ultimately, again, I dknt beleive you can do the DA live video without Internet, but you would be able to transfer programs to your iPad from the hopper if you have the HWS.