It all comes back to the installer and not being prepared...
The above statement pissed me off so bad, I actually had to walk away from the computer before posting. Back in the day, I used to be an installer. I have since worked my way up from that position. Let me just say a technician can only be as prepared as the notes that are written in the comment box on the work order from the person taking the order. PERIOD.
Which BTW, just to add MORE information, it might not have mattered if he requested HDMI because honestly right now the Melbourne warehouse is currently OUT of HDMI capable boxes but have plenty of DVI boxes and can use the converter cable.
All in all the BLAME does NOT fall on the contractor/installer. He's only as good as the notes that are put on the work order PERIOD. The FAULT is the CSRs. (CSR = Customer Service Rep). And honestly, I can most of the time BLAME the supervisor of the CSR that took his phone call for not having the most up to date "question cards". I am sure that some CSRs are not following the cards and asking the proper questions. Blaming the installer is WRONG! PERIOD.
"I need an HD cable box."
"Do you need an HDMI port or will component be OK?
"I need HDMI."
Since the CSR did not ask the question, it should have sent up a little flag in your brain at the time of the call to politely ask "Can you put notes on the work order to please bring an HDMI capable box?"
I guess next time I need to order something, I will try to get myself first scheduled through all of the BHN trainings so I will be sure to know EXACTLY everything I need to say to the order taker.
No need to do all that. Honestly, Ive answered every question you have had in here with sincerity and have OFFERED back in the day to come out and RE-WIRE your entire house for free. Should have taken me up on that offer then, I couldn't pull that off now if I wanted to. Anyways, next time you want to make a change, come in and ask questions.
I'll answer them the best of my ability as always and offer advice. We could have actually saved 2 1/2 pages of finger pointing had you came in and asked, "Hey im thinking of upgrading to an HD box, any advice?"
Personally, I would have told you to wait a week or 2. The boxes they have in stock and are handing out to the contractors dont have have the HDMI port, but do have DVI and RCA. However, I do know that the front desk in Melbourne does have them. But I already explained why that is.
Oh, and to add to a statement about the differences between RCA/DVI/HDMI, I can see the diffference between RCA and HDMI. I cannot see the difference between DVI and HDMI though.