hp2648a termcap query

[utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!npois!alice!research!sjb]

Whenever I tried to use a program that continuously updates the
screen with my hp2648a, it printed a 20 after each line.  After
a brief spat with termcap, I changed the line reading:
	:cm=20\E&a%r2c%2Y
to:
	:cm=\E&a%r2c%2Y
In page 2-2 of my reference manual (cursor movement), it made no
mention of padding requirements -- why was this put in?  Will something
blow up with this change?  I am presently at 300 baud if that makes
any difference.