METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A SCALED UPGRADING OF AN UPGRADEABLE SET-TOP BOX

摘要

An upgradeable set-top box for converting a signal is provided. The upgradeable set-top box is provided with a housing, including an input port for receiving an input signal, an output port for transmitting an output signal, an upgrade slot formed within a first side of the housing, and an expansion port. The upgrade set-top box is further provided with a tuner for converting the input signal to an output signal. An upgrade module formed to removably fit within the upgrade slot, and an expansion box, removably attachable to the housing (fig. 4), provide for scaled upgrading of the functionality of the upgradeable set-top box. Basic functions of a digital receiver are initially incorporated in the upgradeable set-top box. Next, an upgrade module is joined to the upgradeable set-top box to allow a next stage upgrade.