No, they didn't specifically ask for an HDMI box. Rather, they simply got this box when they signed up for a triple play package with Brighthouse (phone, TV, internet). At the time, in addition to swapping out their modem (for one that could handle the phone line option), the tech also swapped out their previous digital box. I think they did this at the time because they had an older Sceintific Atlanta box that couldn't handle the onscreen caller ID feature. This 3250HD box can do caller ID. At the time, they weren't concerned about HD since they really only watched the digital channels (2-150).
The installer hooked up this 3250HD box to their Sony CRT TV via its component connections. I didn't realize it until I was over there helping them swap out the TVs that this older Sony was actually an HD set. No, it didn't have any HDMI inputs, but just component inputs for HD so it must be an early generation HD set of some kind. But like I said, in the end they really just watched the regular digital channels (2-150) anyway so it wasn't a huge deal. I think they watched the SD digital channels & never messed with the HD channels cause SD were in the 1-150 range. HD channels for their area are in the 1100 range so the input method was easier (they in their 70s). Both looked good on the older set, but there is now a noticeable difference on this new Samsung HDTV so I expect they will watch the Brighthouse HD channels.
As far as offering help to swap it out, thanks, but I think they are eventually gonna get another HDTV set for their bedroom and will then want a HD box of some kind in there as well. They plan to have a Brighthouse tech come out and install another box. I told them when they come out to just specifically ask for a box that has HDMI connections. This way they can save the new TV's component connection for a DVD player. If needed & at the same time, they can probably also have the tech swap out their current 3250HD box for one that has a HDMI output as well and accomplish the same thing; save the Samsung TV's one component connection for a DVD player instead. Thanks for the offer though.