Hardware virtualization for media processing

Each embodiment of the invention relates to hardware virtualization for media processing. Methods and systems for implementing virtual processors are disclosed. For example, in an embodiment a processing apparatus configured to act as a plurality of virtual processors includes a first virtual program space that includes a first program execution memory, the first program execution memory including code to run a non-real-time operating system capable of supporting a one or more non-real-time applications, a second virtual program space that includes a second program execution memory, the second program execution memory including code to run one or more real-time processes, and a central processing unit (CPU) configured to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode; the CPU being configured to perform operating system and application activities using the first virtual program space for the first operating mode without using the second virtual program space and without appreciably interfering with the one or more real-time processes that are running in the second operating mode.