Some things you might want to note about going to a STB.
1. Yes, all the channels are digital, however flipping through them is a bit slower. It might not bother you, but it bothers me sometimes (not all pauses are created equil).
2. If you have an HD screen, but only regular satellite, you're not using the HD screen to its full capacity. You'd have to get HD satellite service for that. Even with HD satellite, not all the channels are HD.
3. Digital cable may be able to offer you more for less $. (The carrier in my old area did anyhow...) For example, Dish Network (my new service) does not offer HD DVR service. You can get a tv with HD service, but not with a DVR. My old carrier (Cox) did.
IMO HD technology is ready but not quite there as far as mainstream media is concerned. Even our DVDs' native resolution has to be upscaled to fit HD. I don't even think HD-DVDs exist yet (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
This is the reason why I went with a commercial model ED plasma (ordered yesterday) instead of an HD one.
Just my .02
