If I understand your question, you can record SD and have HD as long as you get a HD receiver.  From all that I have read, it seems they will replace HD STB after the conversation.  I held off too, but finally gave in and HD is incredible.  You'll just have to fork out the $5 mirroring fee although I think they have an offer right now for 6 months of 1/2 HD.  If you have been a customer for awhile, you should be able to haggle for 6 FREE months of HD, plus maybe if you try hard enough a free HD receiver or some rebate off of it.