Protocol for control of network or bus attached cable TV set-top box front-end functionality

摘要

A processor for a cable television set-top box has an interface for coupling the processor to a second processor. The processor also has a port that is coupleable to control a tuner, a demodulator and a DOCSIS module with or without DSG support. The tuner has an output coupled to the demodulator input, and the demodulator has an output to the DOCSIS module input. The demodulator's output is also coupled to a conditional access module controlled by the second processor. The processor issues commands via the port to control at least one of the tuner and the demodulator based on instructions received via the interface from the second processor.

主权项

1. A set-top box, comprising:
a first processor configured to:
control a first portion of a plurality of front-end circuits, wherein the plurality of front-end circuits comprise a first front-end circuit that is configured to receive a first signal; and a second processor configured to:
control a plurality of back-end circuits, wherein the plurality of back-end circuits comprise a first back-end circuit that is configured to process a second signal that corresponds to the first signal received by the first front-end circuit, andprovide instructions to the first processor to control a second portion of the plurality of front-end circuits.