Memory is the largest contributor to the cost of a set top box, typically comprising up to half or more of the component cost. This paper examines methods of minimizing this cost using commodity memory parts consumed in large volumes by the PC industry and by taking advantage of new developments in high density, high bandwidth DRAMs. Architectural methods of extracting bandwidth from conventional DRAM are examined, along with performance requirements of emerging set-top box architectures. Alternatives are presented for meeting product performance goals while preserving low cost.