Abstract: A multi-purpose interface apparatus for a television receiver for digital or analog, broadcast or switched video distribution systems is provided which eliminates the necessity of having the user operate a separate set-top cable converter at the location of the subscriber in order to receive any switched or broadcast, digital or analog CATV offering transmitted to the subscriber by the cable service provider, regardless of the particular type of cable service requested by the subscriber from the cable service provider (i.e., basic cable program offering, a scrambled premium program offering and/or a pay-for-view program offering). This interface will also be fully capable of operating with novel CATV distribution systems, including all prospective video dial tone systems. Also disclosed is a related method.