Abstract: A configuration option setting system and method is disclosed making it possible for a user to quickly set the configuration options in a host device (120) (e.g., TV) which includes a pod slot interface (150) thereby freeing the user from having to learn and navigate the menu system of the host device (120). Configuration options are set in the host device (120) via a software simulation program (a PC pod simulation program) running on a personal computer (110) external to the host device (120). The PC pod simulation program simulates the functionality of a conventional POD (point of deployment or point of delivery) cable card for setting user defined configuration options. The PC pod simulation program overcomes and avoids the limitations of the prior art whereby a POD cable card could only be preset at the factory and was only changeable thereafter using the menu system of the host device (120).