Abstract:
Video data encoded according to new compression standards may be processed by an existing client terminal using an adaptive module that transcodes the video data into a format compatible with the processing capabilities of the client terminal. Further, the adaptive module may compress video files stored in the client terminal according to a new or advanced compression standard, in order to expand the storage capacity of the hard drive of the client terminal. Further still, the adaptive module may support high-resolution graphic video streams (e.g., for interactive games) by including a graphics engine and encoder to render the video streams compatible for processing by the client terminal. Thus, broadband content providers are spared the expense of upgrading the decoder and/or hard drive of their subscribers&#39; terminals, if not the entire client altogether, in view of evolving compression standards.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of multi-media entertainment systems. In particular, the present invention relates to upgrading the video processing capabilities of a multi-media entertainment system to accommodate different data compression/decompression standards (alternatively referred to as “codecs”), and a corresponding system and method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the context of a cable television (CATV) system or a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system, a set-top-box (STB) is a client terminal that receives and decodes television signals for display on a separate display device, such as a television (TV) set. The client terminal may even be integrated into the display device. Further, the television signals may include digital audio and video image signals provided in encoded media streams broadcast from a content provider. 
     The useful life of a deployed STB may be several years, e.g., 5-7 years. However, rapid advancements in technology and standards associated with the content and services delivered to STBs may render these devices obsolete prematurely in the absence of significant upgrades. Further, since the task of upgrading STBs would, most likely, be conducted on a massive scale, the upgrades must be deliverable in a cost-efficient manner. 
     For example, MPEG-2 is the compression standard by which digital video content is compressed on storage mediums, e.g., CDs and DVDs, and for broadcast by multiple systems operators (MSOs), such as cable television (CATV) and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems. However, applications relating to digital video are increasing, e.g., video-on-demand (VOD), as is the corresponding need for bandwidth. As a result, advanced compression standards are being developed to provide, within existing data transport infrastructures, sufficient bandwidth for digital video content corresponding to the growing number of applications for digital video content. 
     Since many current business models include STBs being deployed by MSOs, consideration has been given to simultaneously broadcasting content using both presently accepted compression standards, i.e., MPEG-2, and advanced compression standards. However, the overhead required for such simulcasting is cost-prohibitive. Therefore, the challenge for STB manufacturers and providers, mentioned above, is to upgrade the decoding capabilities of deployed STBs, in order to decode digital video data content encoded according to these advanced compression standards, in a cost-effective manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The scope of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and such detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given as illustrations only, since various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a generalized embodiment of a module incorporating the invention, and the operating environment in which various aspects of the illustrated invention may be practiced; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing an example embodiment of the invention further to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an example embodiment further to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an example embodiment further to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing an example embodiment further to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing a schematic block diagram of a set-top box (STB), in which aspects of the invention may be practiced; 
         FIG. 7  is an example flow-chart corresponding to an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an example flow-chart further to the example embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an example flow-charter further to the example embodiment of  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is an example flow-chart further to the example embodiment of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a block diagram illustrating an inventive embodiment of a system for processing media data that is encoded according to either an existing compression standard or a new compression standard. More particularly, STB  200  may receive from module  300  transcoded media content  150 A that is encoded according to either of an existing or a new compression standard to provide digital video content to a user, via TV  100 . Further, module  300  may provide transcoded media content  150 A to STB  200  to upgrade the storage capabilities of hard drive  235 . 
     The present description includes multiple references to “existing” and “new” compression standards. Currently, MPEG-2 is widely accepted as the norm for encoding digital video content, in both broadcast and storage form, and therefore any reference to an “existing” compression standard is understood to include, but not be limited to, MPEG-2, unless otherwise noted. Further, any reference to a “new” compression standard is understood to include, but not be limited to: an advanced compression standard such as Joint Video Technology (hereafter referred to as “JVT”), which is also known as any one of MPEG-4 part 10, H.26L, or H.264. By the JVT compression standard, as adopted by either one of The Telecommunication Standardization Sector of The International Telecommunications Union, and the International Standardization Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission, Joint Technical Committee, video data signals are encoded in accordance with one of multiple compression algorithms, each at a lower data rate than MPEG-2; Windows Media Video 8, developed by the Microsoft® Corporation; and RealVideo 9™ developed by Real™ Networks. 
     In view of advancing codec standards for digital video image signals, in the context of broadcast- and interactive-TV, video streaming, as well as video image storage mediums such as CDs and DVDs, the exemplary inventive embodiments described herein may eliminate the need for STB providers to implement comprehensive strategies for reconfiguring or replacing currently deployed STBs, or components thereof, in order for the devices to process digital video image signals encoded according to a new compression standard. In one embodiment, when an MSO transmits transport data stream  150  that includes digital video signal  151  encoded using a new compression standard that cannot be decoded by STB decoder  250 , STB interface  225  transmits the incompatible digital video signal  151  to adaptive module  300  for transcoding into an existing compression standard that the STB decoder  250  is capable of decoding. In one embodiment, adaptive module  300  transcodes digital video signal  151  into an existing compression standard, but at a higher data rate to preserve the quality of the original digital signal  151 . 
     In one embodiment, module  300  may further serve to upgrade the storage capabilities of hard drive  235  on existing STBs  200  without having to reconfigure or replace the hard drive  235 . For instance, a media data file that has been encoded according to an existing compression standard and stored on hard drive  235  of STB  200 , may be streamed, via interface  225 , to module  300  for transcoding to a new compression standard. The transcoded data  150 A may be streamed back to STB  200  where it is again stored as a media data file in hard drive  235 , occupying less of the hard drive capacity than when it was encoded according to the existing compression standard. Further, to play back the media data file, interface  225  retrieves the media data file from hard drive  235  for streaming to module  300 , where the media data file may be transcoded back to the existing compression standard. In one embodiment, adaptive module  300  transcodes digital video signal  151  into an existing compression standard, but at a higher data rate to preserve the quality of the transcoded media data file. 
     Explanation of these and other embodiments further to the system of  FIG. 1  follows. Where features of the respective example embodiments are common to those shown in the system overview of  FIG. 1 , reference numbers may be repeated. In addition, although the present invention may have application to the processing of both audio and video data signals, the following description will be provided in the context of video data signals. 
       FIG. 2  shows an example embodiment corresponding to the system of  FIG. 1  to enable STB  200 , which may also be referred to as a “client terminal,” a “media center,” or a “multi-media entertainment system,” to process video data signals encoded in accordance with a new compression standard. 
     STB  200  is a client terminal that includes interface  225 , hard drive  235  and decoder  250 . An MSO (not shown) may broadcast to interface  225  transport media stream  150 , which may include multiple layers of data including, but not limited to, a video data layer, an audio data layer, and a system data layer. The system data layer may include meta-data to define file and file access formats corresponding to the video and audio data layers. 
     When interface  225  receives transport media stream  150  from an MSO, interface  225  may transfer a corresponding layer of video data signals to decoder  250  for decoding into raw video for display on TV  100 . However, the decoders  250  in presently deployed STBs are capable of decoding only video data signals encoded according to an existing compression standard, i.e., MPEG-2, and therefore are not capable of decoding any video data signals received from interface  225  that are encoded in accordance with a new compression rate. 
     Therefore, if meta-data included in a system layer of transport media stream  150  indicates that the corresponding layer of video data signals is encoded in accordance with a new compression rate, interface  225 , which may be either of a USB2.0 or P1394 interface, may stream the layer of video data signals to module  300 . The video data signals may be received at module  300  by transcoder  325 A, via a corresponding USB2.0 or P1394 port (not shown), for transcoding to the existing compression standard. Interface  225  may similarly stream video data signals received from a digital data medium, including, but not limited to, a digital versatile disc (DVD) or compact disc (CD) to module  300 , if meta-data from the medium indicates that the accompanying video data signals are encoded in accordance with a new compression standard. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 2 , transcoder  325  may include adaptive decoder  310  to determine the new compression standard algorithm by which the video data signals are encoded, and, accordingly, decode the video data signals streamed from interface  225  into raw video data signals. Since raw video data signals require a magnitude of bandwidth greater than that which the USB2.0 or P1394 port is capable of providing for streaming back to STB  200 , transcoder  325  may further include adaptive encoder  315  to encode the raw video data signals according to the existing compression standard. In one embodiment, to provide the user with an enhanced media experience, i.e., to preserve the quality of the original video data signal  151 , adaptive encoder  315  produces an I-frame only MPEG-2 video stream  150 B that is streamed back via the USB2.0 or P1394 port to interface  225  of STB  200 . Once received at interface  225 , transcoded video data stream  150 B may be transferred for decoding by decoder  250 , and display by TV  100 . 
     I-frame only refers to a video compression scheme in which each frame is intra-frame compressed, i.e., each frame is individually defined and does not depend on other frames. As the name suggests, there are no P (predictive) or B (bi-directional) frames in an I-frame only compression scheme. Although I-frame only compression results in a higher data rate than that of ordinary MPEG-2 encoding, it is still well within the bandwidth that USB2.0 or P1394 interfaces are capable of handling. Moreover, I-frame only MPEG-2 encoding avoids any latency, and further may advantageously permit the use of a less expensive device for adaptive encoder  315 , because the device need only be capable of encoding I-frames, and not a P- or B-frame. 
     The example embodiment of  FIG. 2  also shows an example embodiment corresponding to the system of  FIG. 1  to implement the transcoding of video data files that are stored in hard drive  235  of STB  200 , thus increasing the storage capacity of hard drive  235 . In particular, if hard drive  235  contains a video data file that has been compressed according to the existing compression standard, one of ordinary skill may recognize that such video data file would occupy a lesser portion of the storage capacity of hard drive  235  if it were encoded at a lower data rate, that is, if it were compressed in accordance with a new compression standard. For example, if MPEG-2 is the existing compression standard by which a digital video file stored is compressed for storage in hard drive  235 , the digital video file may have been compressed at a rate of 19.4 Mbps. Accordingly, if hard drive  235  has an exemplary storage capacity of 80 MB, hard drive  235  may be able to store approximately 7.5 hours of digital video content. Alternatively, using JVT as the new compression standard, a digital video file stored in hard drive  235  may be compressed at a rate of 5 Mbps with little or no perceived loss of quality. Accordingly, an exemplary 80 MB hard drive  235  may be able to store approximately 30 hours of digital video content. 
     In order for a video data file stored in hard drive  235  to be transcoded according to a new compression standard, the digital video file  152  may be retrieved by interface  225  for streaming to transcoder  325 , via the existing USB2.0 or P1394 port. In an example embodiment, transcoder  325  includes decoder  310  to determine the algorithm by which the media data file is encoded, and to decode the video data signals streamed from interface  225  into raw video data signals. Transcoder  325  further includes encoder  315  to encode the raw video data signals received from decoder  310  according to any one of the multiple algorithms corresponding to a new compression standard, e.g., JVT, Windows Media 8, or RealVideo 9. The re-encoded data is then streamed back to interface  225 , where the contiguous data of video stream  150 B is re-configured as digital video file  152 , and stored again in hard drive  235 . 
     In one embodiment, playing back the transcoded video data file  152  requires that the digital video file  152  be retrieved by interface  225  for streaming to transcoder  325 , via the aforementioned USB2.0 or P1394 port. Transcoder  325  includes decoder  310  to be notified of the advanced-compression standard algorithm by which the video data file has been encoded, and thus decode the video data file into raw video data signals. In one embodiment, to preserve the quality of the original digital video file  152 , encoder  315  produces an I-frame only MPEG-2 video stream  150 B that is streamed back to interface  225  of the USB2.0 or P1394 port. As set forth above, I-frame only MPEG-2 encoding advantageously reduces the costs for encoder  315 , which is required to encode only I-frames. Once received at interface  225 , transcoded video data stream  150 B is transferred to decoder  250  for decoding, and display on TV  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an alternative embodiment of the transcoder module shown in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, the transcoding of the video data signals from a new compression standard to the existing compression standard, as described above in reference to  FIG. 2 , may alternatively be performed by a software transcoder module  300 A, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Transcoder module  300 A may determine the advanced-compression standard algorithm by which the video data signals are encoded, and accordingly execute a transcoding algorithm to mathematically transform the received video data signals from the advanced-compression standard to the existing compression standard. Consequently, in one embodiment, transcoder module  300 A may directly produce, for example, an I-Frame only MPEG-2 video stream  150 C that may be streamed back, via the USB2.0 or P1394 port, to interface  225  of STB  200 . Once received at interface  225 , transcoded video data stream  150 C may be transferred to decoder  250  for decoding, and then for display on TV  100 . 
     Similarly, the software transcoder module  300 A shown in  FIG. 3  may enable the transcoding described above in reference to transcoder  325  of  FIG. 2 . That is, transcoder module  300 A may execute a transcoding algorithm to perform the mathematical transformation for the transcoding described above in reference to transcoder  325 . 
     Further still, all of the transcoding of the video data signals  151  from one compression standard to another existing compression standard, as described above may be performed by local transcoder module  300 B, as shown in  FIG. 4 , resulting in transcoded data  150 D being streamed back to interface  225 . Local transcoder module  300 B may be integrated with STB  200 , and be provisioned to perform as transcoder  325  described above in reference to  FIG. 2 , or as software-based transcoder module  300 A described above in reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     A further inventive embodiment is shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein adaptive module  300 C may render high-resolution graphics in the context of, for example, interactive video. This embodiment may enable a user of STB  200  to engage in interactive gaming, with the user of STB  200  playing against herself or against other, on-line participants. 
     An interactive gaming program may be downloaded from an MSO to STB  200 , or a gaming program may otherwise be contained on a CD/DVD inserted to a disc drive (not shown) on STB  200 . In either case, a gaming program may include a sophisticated graphics program, and therefore interface  225  may stream graphics data to graphics engine  370  in module  300 C, via a corresponding USB2.0 or P1394 port, for the purpose of rendering graphics for a game. User input, including input from a user&#39;s gaming control device or input from an on-line opponent received at STB  200 , e.g., via IP packets, may be processed by CPU  214 , and such input may further be transmitted to graphics engine  370  for rendering a next graphics frame for the interactive game. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 5 , transcoding is further understood to include encoding rendered graphics in accordance with an existing compression standard. In the example embodiment, graphics engine  370  receives user input  152  from interface  225 , and applies the input instructions to the current state of the rendered graphics to render the next graphics frame  153 . Encoder  375  encodes the rendered graphic frame  153  according to the existing compression standard, e.g., MPEG-2, and the encoded graphics  150 E are streamed back to STB decoder  250 , via interface  225 , for decoding into raw video data, and displayed on TV  100 . Such rendering and encoding is performed rapidly for subsequent graphics frames to avoid any latency due to the interactive nature of many video games. In one embodiment, to preserve the high quality of the rendered graphics  153 , the encoder  375  produces an 1-frame only MPEG-2 video stream  150 E that is streamed back via the USB2.0 or P1394 port to interface  225  of STB  200 . Once received at interface  225 , the encoded video data signals  150 E are decoded by decoder  250  and then displayed on TV  100 . 
       FIG. 6  provides an example of a schematic block diagram of an STB  200  that may be used in conjunction with the example embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5 . The illustrated components may be logical or physical and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. 
     In an example embodiment, STB  200  may include network interface  225  to communicate with a broadband network, such as an MSO. Interface  225  may conform to the DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) or DAVIC (Digital Audio-Visual Council) cable modem standards. More particular to the present embodiments, interface  225  may include standard circuitry for receiving MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) streams including multiplexed programs and data via the broadband network. Decoder  250  may decode the MPEG streams received by interface  225  in order to present a media experience to the user via TV  100 . 
     STB  200  may further include a memory  204 , such as a random access memory (RAM) and/or read-only memory (ROM). Memory  204  may store as an operating system (OS) for STB  200  (e.g., Windows CE® or Linux), application program code, and various other types of data. 
     Input interface  208  may be provided for receiving commands from an input device, such as a remote control for TV  100  or a game controller used for interactive gaming. STB  200  may further include display interface  210  for generating a user interface on TV  100  or another display device, which may be responsible for tracking user responses to the user interface via the input device. Additionally, display interface  210  may be used to display various types of supplemental information on or in connection with objects or data fields provided on the user interface. 
     CPU  214  may control operation of STB  200 , including the other components described above, which may be in communication with CPU  214  via bus  216 . CPU  214  may be embodied as a microprocessor, a micro-controller, a digital signal processor (DSP) or other device known in the art. CPU  214  may perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program code stored within memory  204  or the mass storage device  235 . 
     A description of example transcoding methodologies corresponding to the example embodiments of  FIGS. 1-4  follows with reference to  FIGS. 7-10 . The exemplary transcoding methodology corresponding to  FIG. 5 , understood to include encoding rendered graphics in accordance with an existing compression standard, is described therein as well. As set forth above, reference to an existing compression standard is understood to include, unless otherwise noted, the MPEG-2 compression standard, which is an ISO standard for compressing video data signals both in broadcast form and in storage mediums, i.e., CDs and DVDs. Further, reference to a new compression standard is understood to include, but by no means be limited to, any one of the advanced-compression standard JVT, which is also known as any one of MPEG-4 part 10 and H.26/H.264, Windows Media 8, or RealVideo 9, as described above. Regardless, it is understood that a new compression standard implies a higher-compression rate than an existing compression standard. 
     The flow-chart of  FIG. 7  may be applicable to the example embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5 , described above. In particular, interface  225  may stream  400  data signals from client terminal (STB)  200  to any one of modules  300 - 300 C using an existing interface protocol, including USB2.0, and P1394. Using either of a hardware-based iterative process or a software-based algorithm, in accordance with the above descriptions, any one of modules  300 - 300 B may transcode  425  the codec standard for the received data signals, and the transcoded data signals may be streamed  450  back to interface  225 , using the aforementioned interface protocol. Alternatively, for module  300 C shown in  FIG. 5 , transcoding  425  is understood to include encoding rendered graphics in accordance with an existing compression standard. Interface  225  may direct the transcoded data signals to an appropriate STB component for processing  475 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the streaming  400  of data signals to one of transcoder modules  300 - 300 B may include the transport media stream  150  being received at interface  225  upon broadcast from an MSO. The transport media stream may include, but is not limited to, broadcast programming content. Alternatively, a media stream may be received by interface  225  from a storage medium including, for example, a CD or DVD, inserted to a disc drive on STB  200 . 
     The meta-data in the system layer of the transport media stream  150  may indicate the compression standard for the accompanying video and audio data signal layers. When the compression standard for a data signal layer is the existing compression standard  410 , interface  225  may direct the data signal layer to decoder  250  for decoding  475 A. As set forth above, the existing compression standard widely accepted for video data signals, in both broadcast and stored form, is the MPEG-2 compression standard. 
     However, when the compression standard for a data signal layer is a new compression standard  410 , the data signal layer may be streamed  415  to one of the transcoder modules  300 - 300 B, shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . For the example embodiments of  FIGS. 1-3 , where the transcoder modules  300  and  300 A are adaptive modules, the subject data signal layer may be streamed using an existing interface protocol, including, but not limited to, USB2.0 or P1394. For the example embodiment of  FIG. 4 , where transcoder module  300 B is integrated with STB  200 , the subject data signal layer may be transferred to transcoder module  300  via bus  216 , shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The transcoding  425 A of the data signal layer, by either of a hardware-based iterative process or a software-based algorithm, is described in detail above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . In any of  FIG. 1 ,  2 , or  4 , hardware-based iterative transcoding may include a decoder in the respective one of transcoder modules  300  or  300 B receiving the data signal stream from interface  225 , determining the new compression standard algorithm by which the data signal stream has been encoded, and, accordingly, decoding the data signal stream from the new compression standard into raw data signals. The raw data signals may be encoded according to the existing compression standard at a high bit-rate, e.g., MPEG-2. 
     Alternatively, with regards to  FIG. 3 , and even an example embodiment of  FIG. 4 , software-based transcoding by transcoding module  300 A and  300 B may include determining the advanced-compression standard algorithm by which the data signal stream has been encoded, and executing a mathematical transformation of the data signal stream from the advanced-compression standard to the existing compression standard, e.g., MPEG-2. Regardless of the mode of transcoding, the transcoded data signals are streamed  450 A back to interface  225 . Interface  225  sends the transcoded signals to decoder  250  for decoding  475 A so as to deliver the media experience to the user, most likely on TV  100 . The media experience may also be displayed for the user on, for example, a PC, a PDA, and mobile telephone. 
       FIG. 9  may be applicable, at least, to upgrading the storage capabilities of STB  200 . If a media data file encoded according to an existing compression standard is stored on hard drive  235  of STB  200 , it may be desirable transcode the media data file so as to increase the storage capabilities of hard drive  235 . Therefore, streaming  400  a data file from interface  225  may include retrieving  407  the data file from hard drive  235  and streaming  415  the data file to one of transcoding modules  300 ,  300 A, or  300 B. Since the transcoder modules  300  and  300 A are adaptive modules in  FIGS. 1-3 , the data file may be streamed using an existing interface protocol, including, but not limited to, USB2.0 or P1394. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 4 , where transcoder module  300 C is integrated with STB  200 , the subject data file may be transferred to transcoder module  300  via bus  216 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Transcoding  425 B of the data file, by either of a hardware-based iterative process or a software-based algorithm, is described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . In particular, hardware-based iterative transcoding may include a decoder in the respective one of transcoder modules  300  or  300 B receiving the data file, encoded in accordance with the existing compression standard, from interface  225 , and decoding the data signal stream into raw data signals. The raw data signals may be encoded in accordance with the advanced-compression standard. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 3 , transcoding module  300 A, may implement software-based transcoding of the data file by executing a mathematical transformation of the data file from the existing compression standard to the advanced-compression standard. Such transcoding may even be implemented by a software-based, transcoding module  300 B, shown in  FIG. 4 . Regardless of the mode of transcoding, the transcoded data file may be streamed  450 B back to interface  225 . Interface  225  may then send the transcoded data file to hard drive  235  for storage  475 B therein. 
     To play back the transcoded data file, the data file must be transcoded once again, so that it is encoded in accordance with the existing compression standard. Referring back to the flow-chart of  FIG. 7 , interface  225  may retrieve the transcoded data file for streaming  400  to one of modules  300  or  300 A using an existing interface protocol, or for streaming to module  300 B via bus  216 . Using a hardware-based iterative process, transcoder modules  300  and  300 B may include a decoder that receives the data file from interface  225 , determines the algorithm by which the file is encoded, and thus decodes the data file into raw data signals. An encoder within the transcoder module  300  or  300 B may encode the raw data signals in accordance with the existing compression standard. Alternatively, software-based transcoding by transcoding module  300 A of  FIG. 3  or module  300 B of  FIG. 4  may include a mathematical transformation of the data file from the advanced-compression standard to the existing compression standard, i.e., MPEG-2. Regardless of the mode of transcoding, the transcoded data file may be streamed  450 B back to interface  225 . Interface  225  may send the transcoded data file to decoder  250  for decoding, and then display by TV  100 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , corresponding to an interactive gaming scenario described in reference to  FIG. 5 , user input is received  408  at STB  200 . The user input may include gaming instructions from the user control device of STB  200  and/or, in the event of other on-line gaming participants, instructions received at STB  200 , e.g., via IP packets. The input instructions are streamed  416  continuously to module  300 C. The transcoding  425 C may include graphics engine  370  in transcoder module  300 C that continuously renders sequential frames of video data for the interactive game based on the stream of user instructions received from interface  225 . The data may be encoded according to the existing compression standard at a high bit-rate, e.g., MPEG-2, by encoder  375 , and the encoded graphic data signals may be streamed  450 C back to interface  225 . The transcoded graphic data may be decoded  475 C and delivered to the user. 
     As set forth above, the present invention provides a cost-effective manner for upgrading the decoding capabilities for an STB in view of advancements for video and audio codec standards. It may be understood that, while the above-description include specific reference to codec standards for video data signals, the systems and methods described above are applicable to audio codec standards, as well. 
     While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and resources disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. 
     Reference has been made throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” meaning that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, usage of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” throughout this specification may refer to more than just one embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     One skilled in the relevant art may recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail merely to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.