I ran into the same problem at a recent job (also Cablevision). We include a tv power off button, for our cable music option, to keep the burn in down.

Decided that component looks great and I wasn't really blown away by the DVI enough to keep it in.

Also DVI prevents the "pass through" option of the 4200HD and you are stuck using the lame aspect ratio's built into the box.

As for the box shutting off with the TV, I can see this being good for heat issues (if it in fact shuts off).

If you call and get someone that doesn't know what their talking about it is best to hang up and try again.

For faster "Human" service when calling choose "pay bill" option on the prompts. You'll be suprised how quickly the will pick up and they can transfer you.