MUMBAI: Tata Sky Ltd, the joint venture between the Tata Group and Star, has inked a partnership with Humax to support the launch of its Direct-to-Home (DTH) service in mid 2006.

Humax, a provider of digital satellite set-top boxes (STBs), will manufacture set-top boxes in India and also provide after-sales service and support network for Tata Sky customers.

Tata Sky LTD CEO Vikram Kaushik said, "We are committed to building a state-of-the-art DTH operation in India and offer customers with the best satellite TV services available. Our DTH service will completely redefine the television viewing experience in India and our agreement with Humax takes us a step closer to our goal."

"We are excited to be a part of one of the largest DTH businesses in India. Our worldwide set-top box experience and expertise in the development of the most advanced digital television solutions will play a pivotal role in Tata Sky's new business growth," said Humax head of digital media business unit Dr. J U Kim.

Tata Sky had recently joined hands with Thomson for STBs to support the launch of its DTH service and also teamed up with NDS Group Plc in order to deploy NDS solutions to support and provide range of digital and interactive TV services, ahead of launch.