British set-top-box maker Pace has signed a supply agreement with US satellite operator DirecTV. DirecTV is 34% owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation.

Under the agreement, Pace will supply DirecTV with boxes during 2006. The company said that the deal will "materially help underpin Pace's existing expectations, for this financial year and the next financial year, reinforcing Pace's opportunity in the North American market."