Humax Enters Production of Next Generation DIRECTV “Genie” Server

Second generation home media server is the most advanced and intuitive to date

GYEONGGI, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humax Co., Ltd., a global leading set-top box manufacturer, today announced the recent approval for production of their next generation DIRECTV HR44-500 “Genie” server, which will be combined with the Humax-manufactured C41-500 “mini Genie” client which is currently undergoing final certification. Both models were developed in compliance with the RVU protocol, as managed by the RVU Alliance (www.rvualliance.org). This is the second generation RVU server and client solution, following the successful deployment of the DIRECTV HR34 and C31 models in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

“Basing the Genie system on the proven CDI standard and RVU protocol has enabled Humax to develop this solution quickly and easily. Our customers love that they can get all content in all rooms with such an easy to use system with a consistent, powerful User Interface.”

Humax developed this solution according to the DIRECTV Common Driver Interface (CDI) standard, which has been the foundation of many successful DIRECTV HD set-top box development programs. Using the proven CDI standard allowed for rapid time to production, reducing the overall development time of the HR44-500 and C41-500 platforms to less than one year.

“We look forward to the launch of the Humax HR44-500 RVU server and its partner the C41-500 mini Genie device as we expand our next generation Genie solution,” said Romulo Pontual, executive vice president and CTO for DIRECTV. “Basing the Genie system on the proven CDI standard and RVU protocol has enabled Humax to develop this solution quickly and easily. Our customers love that they can get all content in all rooms with such an easy to use system with a consistent, powerful User Interface.”

“The introduction of the HR44-500 and C41-500 second generation home media server solution showcases our leadership position and development expertise in the home gateway server market,” said Albert Son, President of Humax Americas. “In addition, the sophisticated capabilities of “Genie” coupled with the RVU protocol’s ease of use makes this the most advanced and intuitive media server platform to date – a literal dream come true for DIRECTV subscribers everywhere.”

The DIRECTV “Genie” solution’s RVU protocol is based on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and is part of the DLNA Premium Video guidelines. These guidelines allow for the streaming of HD video to the “mini Genie” clients and other compatible CE devices, providing a consistent Remote User Interface (RUI) across all connected platforms.

For more information about the “Genie” home media server solution, visit www.directv.com.

About Humax

Humax Co., Ltd. (Humax), founded in 1989 in South Korea, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes, exporting its products across the globe. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading supplier of high quality, feature-rich digital TV set-top boxes and digital video recorders (DVRs), for cable, satellite, and terrestrial, IPTV, and IP-Hybrid broadcasting. The company headquarters and R&D facility are based in Korea, with offices in the U.S., Brazil, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Australia, India, Thailand, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.humaxamericas.com.