I probably know both of them too, I worked with all the sys engineers before I left Buffalo some cool guys thats for sure.
As far as the topic on hand, switched digital can’t make up for lack of HD feeds, sure it will alleviate bandwidth and should enhance the picture somewhat but its not going to add HD pictures and in this day HD > SD all day long for those who care and can tell the diff (my gf still claims she cant tell the diff between the 2).