Abstract: A multimedia system capable of readily permitting expansion of its display memory as well as its compression/expansion function and other features as desired. The multimedia system is implemented by an information processing apparatus which includes a controller which controls the apparatus, an extended input/output bus for connecting with the controller, and interface device which interfaces with the extended input/output bus, at least one function extending device which extends the functionality of the controller and a local bus for permitting data exchanges between the interface device and the function extending device.