Be sure to call them and tell them you'd like to get into the HD DVR, but the price is a little too steep. If they consider you a good customer, you'll get all kinds of bill credits and free programming.
If you don't want a DVR, they'll probably send you an HD receiver free. They cost only $99 from Wal-Mart or the big box retailers.
As far as a better provider is concerned, E* has more HD channels now, but I suppose you saw the announcement that D* made at the Consumer Electronics Show. If that comes to pass, it will put D* in the lead for HD (which is their plan.)