The Scientific Atlanta 3250HD has a DVI output, and when I got my HDTV a couple years ago I remember there being a lot of grumbling about that particular model. For one thing, many people found the component output to provide a better HD picture than the DVI. I ended up specifically asking Time Warner to give me a Pace DC-550 box instead of the 3250 (same features, including DVI, but a better reputation). You may want to experiment a bit with the sequencing that loopy describes - or ask your provider if they have a newer HD box that may offer better HDCP handshake behavior. The 3270HD is a newer design that also offers DVI, and the 4250HD has HDMI.