System and method for configuring controlling device functionality

A system, comprising:

• a controlling device;
• and
• a first controllable appliance communicatively coupled to the controlling device;
• wherein the first controllable appliance comprises a first processing device and a first memory storing first instructions executable by the first processing device, where the first instructions, when executed by the first processing device, cause the first controllable device to automatically determine whether a second controllable device, communicatively coupled to the first controllable device via a wired connection, is capable of being controlled by the first controllable device and to transmit to the controlling device a message having data that is based upon the determination;
• and
• wherein the controlling device comprises a second processing device and a second memory storing second instructions executable by the second processing device, where the instructions, when executed by the second processing device, cause the controlling device to use the data received from the first controllable device to automatically provide a predetermined input element of the controlling device with one of a first configuration whereupon a subsequent activation of the predetermined input element will cause a transmission of a first command for causing the second controllable device to make active a communications port of the second controllable device to which the first controllable device is communicatively coupled or a second configuration whereupon a subsequent activation of the predetermined input element will cause a transmission of a second command for causing the first controllable device to make active the communications port of the second controllable device to which the first controllable device is communicatively coupled.