A single integrated circuit is provided to enable the distribution of
voice, video, and/or data services throughout a multimedia distribution
network, such as a cable communications network. The single integrated
circuit supports both digital and analog television services (e.g., PVR,
pay-for-view, EPG, e-commerce, etc.) and computer data services (e.g.,
telephony, Internet browsing, facsimile, messaging, videoconferencing,
etc.). In an embodiment, the single integrated circuit includes three
components that constitute a DOCSIS.TM. compliant cable modem, namely an
inband demodulator, an upstream burst modulator, a media access
controller, and a microprocessor. In an embodiment, a digital out-of-band
demodulator is also included. In another embodiment, the single
integrated circuit integrates front-end and backend set-top box
functionality in addition to DOCSIS.TM. cable modem functionality.