A pluggable video module (PVM) having a housing with a top, a bottom, a front and a back; a locking and release mechanism proximate the front of the module for securing the module within a host device; an electrical connector proximate the back of the module for electrically connecting the module to a host device; an optical connector proximate the front of the module for receiving an optical connector; and a key slot on the bottom and proximate the rear of the module for receiving a key tab from a host device, thereby allowing the module to be inserted into a host receptacle having a key tab.