It is a little cheaper.
Oh, and they changed the box configuration a month or so ago. Used
to be able to have the vcr or remote turn on the box just by IR'ing
the channel number, now have to leave the box on, used to be
able to program the box to shut off, can't do that any more, the
on-screen guide throws in ads as part of the scroll to encourage
you to click on them for say PPV, and a number of other
annoyances that I can't remember.