A method and system for including non-graphic data in an analog video
output signal of a set-top box. Graphics data is generated from and
represents non-graphic data using software or firmware that is executed
by a processor, system-on-a-chip integrated circuit, or some other
component of the set-top box. The graphics data is alpha blended with
video data that is extracted from a digital television signal. This alpha
blending results in an alpha blended digital video signal. The alpha
blended digital video signal is converted into the analog video output
signal by a digital encoder function, which is preferably included in the
system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The alpha blending is also
preferably performed by the alpha blending function of the
system-on-a-chip integrated circuit. The analog video output signal can
then be input into an analog video recorder.