Software development of applications, migration to a new hardware platforms, the integration, approval and field-testing, is a complex and highly specialised area.

The amount of time required to develop a Set Top Box system from the software perspective, depends entirely on the following points:-

The level of device driver software and support provided by the MPEG IC manufacturer.

Sample application development provided by the MPEG IC manufacturer to control the set top box. Which in most cases will be minimal as the MPEG IC manufacturer is selling IC’s and not application software.

The software team knowledge of broadcast standards and knowledge of controlling and using the many components that to create a standard Set Top Box.

The software team knowledge of application development and the application of broadcasting standards.

The software team knowledge of testing requirements and field trial experience.