but if you invest in a quality flat screen TV, it will change your life in way similar to the change from VCR to DVR
Not at all in my opinion. That's fine if you like yours, but I don't like them and will always prefer CRT. Some people do prefer CRT. People should be able to use their preferred type of TV and not have a TV they don't like forced on them just because external equipment eliminates critical functions for no valid reason.
Cisco explorer boxes are Contour (also known as Contour 1), are you referring to going from Contour 1 (Cisco Explorer) to Contour 2 or later?
I thought I read on here once that Contour 2 spams your title search results with streaming service results even if you don't use any streaming services and only use Cox. That would be bad too if that is accurate.
You prefer a CRT TV. Got it.
What people commonly call Contour 1 is Cox TV. It was originally Contour before Cox transitioned to the new Contour platform. People began referring to Contour 1 and Contour 2 to distinguish between them. But Cox documentation refers to them as Cox TV and Contour. Your Cisco box has a Cox TV service type unless it's a Record 6 that's used with both. Identifying Your Cox Digital Receiver
The word "Contour" isn't found anywhere on Cox TV screens (Guide, DVR List, Settings, etc.),
