I'm no engineer so I can't directly answer your question. However I have noticed a worse picture though the E80 than bypassing it via a switch. But I have directv and that may be different than cable.
I'm guessing the electronic equipment is meant for hard use, but others on here have reported intermittant problems reading dvds after prolonged use. May be isolated, maybe not. Also I'd worry about hard drive use but then again, I've also read it's good when a HD spins all the time and that the greatest wear is start up and shut down.
Sorry to confuse you, but it gives you something to think about at least
My option was to use switches and keep the e80 off when not needed.
I'm guessing the electronic equipment is meant for hard use, but others on here have reported intermittant problems reading dvds after prolonged use. May be isolated, maybe not. Also I'd worry about hard drive use but then again, I've also read it's good when a HD spins all the time and that the greatest wear is start up and shut down.
Sorry to confuse you, but it gives you something to think about at least