A
full service cable television system and method are provided. The
system comprises a cable headend, at least one
fiber transport, at least one distribution hub, at least one
hybrid fiber coax
plant, and a plurality of set-top terminals. The
system delivers television programs, advanced cable services, and online services. Programs and services are transmitted to the set-top terminals in both digital and analog formats to maintain downward compatibility with existing systems. The set-top terminal includes a
central processing unit, a unified
memory architecture, a
memory management unit, communications circuitry, I / O control circuitry, and audio and
video output circuitry. Through these components, the set-top terminal provides advanced cable services such as a comprehensive channel navigator, an interactive program guide, impulse Pay-Per-View, Near-Video-On-Demand and Video-On-Demand
programming, and advanced configuration controls. The set-top terminal also provides online services such as
World Wide Web browsing, Internet e-mail, and home shopping.