It has nothing with NTSC (analog) or ATSC (digital), all of them are from tv shows that broadcasting via over the air under antenna. For Feb 17, 2009 then NTSC would be shut down for shows via over the air only since all shows are exclusive in ATSC but numerous of channels like Nick, MTV, Fuel TV, Logo, CNN and more others are still in NTSC and would be not shut down after Feb 2009.
For your DVR, Cox is probably to upgraded to support upscale all SD shows into HD, it wasn't from NTSC or ATSC since cable companies are edit into different something.
If anyone who is subscribe to analog cable (no set box), digital cable (set box is required) and satellite TV service are NOT affected after NTSC is shutdown, it only affected for people who use antenna.
I think you are correct. I keep forgeting cable companies do not have to comply with FCC deadline of killing NTSC by Feb 2009. The article RHR provided did not mention the FCC deadline date.
I am very skeptical of COX cable promising 100 HDTV by next year. The article says it will use bandwidth-optimization tool to squeeze in so many HDTV channels. That means poorer quality pictures.
Peter