Contents data processing device and method

It is difficult to implement an arrangement for handling of contents data such as moving picture and audio data because of a need to ensure the desired bit rate, etc. In ordinary cases, therefore, a configuration dependent on hardware results and the portability of the system is low. A layered contents processing architecture improves the portability of the system and facilitates the development of application programs (80). In a case where part of devices are combined into an LSI, the layered architecture can also be applied to the LSI.