A lot of receivers and pre-pros already have this ability. I recently updated my HK630 with PLIIX and made changes to the way digital inputs operate etc via a downloaded update from HK.
Anything with a RS232 port is designed to be updated.
The Onkyo takes it one step further and is based on a card swap system for lack of a better term. A new sound format comes out, you swap the surround card with the newer one and bang, you have the newest surround mode. Great idea as long as the cost of new cards or boards is kept to a realistic level.
