I don't think the cable company sent out a sinal or "bullet" to stop the
older cable boxes from working.

Oh yes they did

How do I know?

Becasue they (Adelphia) informed all users of cable boxes ( needed to
receive Showtime/Stars/ Cinamax) that they will "shut down all older boxes
to force the change to newer "digital" boxes. This so they can provide more
channels/pay for view..


I believe thy may ave just stopped transmitting analog cable signals.

Tell that to my other SONY VCR, or my 18 year old Zenith, or my no name $69
TV. They have no trouble getting the cable signal. And non of which use a
box or has HDTV!

Plus, if its only the cable signal that went digital, why cant the VCR pick
up off the air signals either?