Thanks JB66 that was quick !! I fear Matth may be right regarding the loyalty discount but as you suggest i'll ring retentions.
Just two more things (probably) ....
regarding them letting me keep the old box - would they move it for me, as there's no point having an sd box and an hd box at the same tv point.
Also would the changeover involve moving from @ntlworld,com to @virginmedia.com, or more importantly would it mean losing my (essential) ntlworld.com e-mail addys.?
thanks again