No the Tv is not plugged into the cable box.

If there is a two way communication from the box to the TV via the HDMI, that resulted in a change of the box settings, then there must be a gazillion problems out there.

I don't have the nerve to call C*mcast, but would like to speak to someone at Motorola.

This is an odd problem.

Thanks all for the help so far....will let you know the outcome