Humax which manufactures digital satellite set-top boxes (STB) has disclosed that it has entered into a development agreement and supply agreement with US satellite TV provider DirecTV.

The agreements encompass various STB models including a portion of the entry-level receivers that will feature interactive services and a HDTV receiver capable of receiving MPEG 4 broadcasts. This product will ship later in the year. In addition, Humax is producing the new DirecTV Digital Video Recroder which will be ready later in the year.

Humax has stated that its business is very much aligned with DirecTV. Humax was born as a Satellite set top box manufacturer and continues to gain
market share worldwide in this segment. The company adds that its experience in this space combined with a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, will prove to be very valuable to this relationship.

DirecTV is poised to introduce several compelling new products and services this year. The company has stated that it chose Humax as the company brings years of proven cost effective set top box design and manufacturing to the table.

Humax claims to export its products to more than 90 countries. The company recorded revenues that exceeded $400 million in 2004, and said it's on track to exceed $1 billion in revenues by 2006