Time-Warner's Scientific Atlanta converters will work anywhere as long as the serial number is consistant with those they use: SAB------. It is up to them to add that nine digit alpha ID to their system. But they have no need to as long as they can charge rental. If you have 3 tvs, 3 boxes...they can charge you $28 rental especially if one is a DVR. That is over and above the subscription rate for the services added. And as far as the tech paying $180 for a los unit, I can personally say I was being charged $800 for 2 'Lost" boxes that eventually showed up on different accounts. I had turned the equipment into the warehouse and was given the receipt which I misplaced. The warehouse lost theirs and I was being charged until the stuff showed up. I had told them to simply shut the boxes off and they refused. I waited 6-months for the issue to be resolved.