A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time
or
non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially
all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB,
conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other
processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed
within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB
may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s)
provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater
system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors,
as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.
