Abstract: An automated system and method for pre-processing software update parameters for transmission to IRDs via traditional broadcasts without the necessity for repeated manual intervention. Generally, the present invention is a system that automatically generates software download commands containing all the necessary parameters that an IRD in a satellite-communication network requires to complete a software download, such as time, frequency, the location of the software within the data stream, among other parameters. The invention provides software upgrade data to be transmitted in data packets that comprise a satellite broadcast. The transmitted information includes target broadcast receiver (IRD) identification information and software upgrade information to determine if the targeted IRD is indeed the correct recipient of the software upgrade data, and if the IRD requires a software upgrade.