Just got off the phone with advanced tech support. Here is the report:
1) Yes, they are quite aware of this problem.
2) It's only with 5000s.
3) It's not just with CBSHDw, problems are also on CBSHDe for some boxes.
4) It was caused by a software upgrade, a forced one, not the kind your option switch can block.
5) RMA with 5000s are possible BUT there is a 10% chance the unit sitting in inventory will have the same problem.
6) This is not a major issue to them, they just had 60% of their customers unable to order PPV on any receiver. Took 30 days to fix.
7) This may never be fixed, in that they won't spend the time to do it.
8) This tech has RMAed one 5000 in his entire three year career and that was a lightning hit. In the past day he has RMAed seven units.
As a broadcast engineer myself I fully understand the complexity of this problem. I realize it won't be fixed overnight, in a well managed company not until sometime next week. What I have a problem with is the indifference. It was inferred they may just ignore it.
Lets give them a reasonable chance, then hound them. Like I said to this guy, who by the way was very informative and it really isn't his fault, I am not asking for an Anthrax vaccine. I am not asking for a promissed feature on a product to be delivered. I am asking for working version of software to be restored or the latest version corrected in a timly manner. My 5000 was receiving CBDHDw, you broke it on that channel, now fix it.