I still fail to see the point...

If you are using RS232 (One way) for everything, and your programming is good, there should never be a miss. Even if your using Direct IR inputs it shouldn't ever miss... hell, I can't remember the last time a properly attached emitter missed.

The beauty of RTI processors is that only one blip needs to get through, the processor does EVERYTHING... assuming you are setting everything up properly. It's all or nothing.

If the cable box is turning off on its own, then add a video sensor into the mix (plugged into the Dig coax out). That solves any issues with the cable box.