Abstract: A set top box for digital audio/video interactive decoding in an interactive television system is disclosed. The set top box includes means for connecting to an interactive television system as well as means for connecting to a television set. The set top box includes a CPU on which is run a real time operating system. The operating system is comprised of modules of code. Each module of code makes up a portion or component of the overall system. A description record is created for each module which includes the device type and device name and can also include the device parameters. The description records are stored in a configuration description block. The description block is stored in RAM and can be updated at any time. If a new system module is downloaded from the interactive television system, a description record corresponding to the new module can be added to the description block.