Abstract: The present invention provides a system or architecture that integrates a set top box with a digital transmission receiver such as a satellite receiver. The architecture includes a processor that is capable of controlling and operating the components of the satellite receiver while also providing the ability to process interactive content and access the Internet or other network. The architecture provides a unified memory that is used by all the components of the system that require memory. The architecture allows many functions previously performed in hardware to be performed by software. The architecture further ensures that the conditional access is protected and implemented such that consumers are only able to access the channels that they are authorized to access. In addition, the architecture allows for multiple channels to be simultaneously processed to provide additional features and functionality to the consumer.