Bosses at electronics giant Pace Microtechnology today hailed its two latest deals as proof of the buoyancy of the market for its digital set-top boxes.

The Saltaire-based firm yesterday announced it had secured a contract to supply the largest commercial TV operator in Northern Europe.

And it was preparing a major breakthrough into the German digital TV market after concluding a deal with a distributor in that country.

Both announcements were made at the Mediacast exhibition at London's Docklands where Pace is showing-off its products for the digital market.

The deal with Viasat Broadcasting will see it use the successful Pace digital satellite set-top box to continue its roll-out of digital pay-TV in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.

John Dyson, Pace's chief executive said: "We are delighted that Viasat has selected Pace as its partner to continue to grow Viasat's digital subscriber base. The latest developments in Pace set-top box technology will further strengthen their competitive offering."

Hans-Holger Albrecht, president and chief executive office of Viasat's parent company MTG, said the Pace product's modern design would be a hit with customers.

Pace is also hoping to enjoy success in the German market after its deal with leading distribution firm GLOBO Electronic. It will deliver Pace products to more than 2,500 distributors, wholesalers and retailers.

"Pace is perfectly placed to capitalise on Germany's digital TV markets," said Heinrich Haase, area manager for Central Europe. "We have already deployed entry-level and advanced free-to-air set-top boxes across Europe including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Pace will use this experience and digital TV expertise to push the boundaries of Germany's market potential."

The two deals follow last week's announcement of a breakthrough into the Australian market.

A Pace spokesman said: "We are very pleased to be announcing new customers and developments in Australia, Scandinavia and Germany. These announcements demonstrate how digital TV is taking off around the world and how Pace is at the start line to take advantage of these opportunities."