A broadcasting data receiving apparatus which can receive broadcasting data and update software by using software update data received as the broadcasting data includes a receiving portion operable to receive broadcasting data, a video/audio processing portion operable to process video data included in the received broadcasting data for video display and audio data included in the received broadcasting data for audio output based on stored software, an operation input portion operable to receive a user operation, and a control portion operable to (i) control the processing in the video/audio processing portion, (ii) perform software update processing on a necessary component by using received software update data if the received broadcasting data includes the software update data, and (iii) perform minimal display processing or minimal audio output processing in the video/audio processing portion if the operation input portion receives a user operation to start the apparatus during execution of the update processing.