[shiner]

Thanks Grabbi, so the move to cable modems sounds more like an NTL policy change rather than any technical limitation. So if my enginerr turns up next week with a V+ box but no cable modem, the broadband 'should' continue to work through the other STB.

Hmmm.... fingers crossed. I work from home so can't afford to lose the broadband for any length of time. That would mean I'd have to venture into the office <shudder>