Integra architecture-anatomy of the interactive television set-top box, how it works, and what it means to the consumer

The architecture proposed is for a highly programmable set-top box that is compatible with a global manufacturing strategy that will drive resale prices down to the point where they are affordable by the average consumer. This paper starts with a look at a block diagram of a set-top box with a view toward cost reduction and optimizing its architecture. Integration of different functional blocks can reduce cost if done intelligently-the question of which blocks to integrate is examined in light of optimum usage of scarce and expensive resources like memory and also against the requirement to provide flexibility and programmability to make a global architecture. The issue of proper partitioning of tasks into hardware and software is also examined against the requirements to reduce cost and provide flexibility while not sacrificing performance. An integrated solution which includes a powerful on-chip CPU is then described. Next, the author looks at how all the pieces fit together-the hardware, software and operating system. The development tools required in order to get a complete working set-top box to market quickly and to be able to upgrade it as requirements change are examined. Finally, an integrated solution and a development environment available from LSI Logic is presented.