This Recommendation describes a core architecture that is not dependent on transport media for a next generation set-top box that will allow service providers to offer existing and new advanced services regardless of the transport media in the future. It is assumed in this Recommendation that all contents are transported on IP packets with an adequate QoS controlled mechanism. This Recommendation reflects key functional aspects of the next generation set-top box, such as network resource adaptability, secure two-way authenticated communication and session resource management and a QoS-control mechanism.