Lo peeps.
Just to let you know the engineer arrived today between the specified hours of 8am to 1pm ( arrived about 10:30).
I briefly explained the problem he did the appropraite checks and confirmed that the RF output was not working prpoerly and he installed a new set top box, phoned HO to send channels/package to new box/card.
All in about 10 mins work.
All my channels came back within 10 mins.
Excellent work NTL
If only the girl in CS, that i reported the fault to in the first place, hadn't been so adamant that there was no fault I would have considered this whole experience faultless (so to speak).
Thx again for the advice guys.