I am considering buying an SA8300HD DVR to install in my house. I selected this one because it is the same one that my cable provider, Cox Cable provides on a rental basis. I'm attempting to avoid rental costs as long as Cox Cable allows privately owned DVRs on their network.

I know about the two software sets that can run in the box...and I'm pretty sure that Cox uses the SARA software that Scientific America puts in the box when it is manufactured.

Two questions...and I have emailed Cox with these same questions...

a. If I get a box that has the SARA software, will I incur issues with software upgrades for the box?

b. If I get a box that does NOT have SARA software loaded, how does one load the SARA software?

Well....forget it. Cox replied that they ONLY will support the ones they rent with the downloads for program selection.

Everybody knows that you can't buy a Cable box and have them activate it. Most ebay boxes are probably stolen.

Thanks...it's not everyone...cause I didn't know that.