A thought just occurred to me.

All of these tv shows are being "boradcast" in HDTV. This might go without saying, but one would conclude that that also means they are being recorded in HD. Hey, this might be upconverting the singal!

If they are being shot in true HD, I think we're actually getting the short end of the stick here. Pick any show if you like. Once that current "HD" season is released on DVD we will only be getting a 480p picture!

The only option left is for all of the current line of shows to be released again in 5 years when HDTV becomes more prevelant.

Or am I missing something?

You're missing the fact that most movies and TV shows are shot on film, not "in HD". Film has a much higher resolution than either HDTV or DVD, and must be downconverted for either format.

How is this any different from the movies being released on DVD right now?

The issue isn't how prevalent HDTVs are. The issue is that HD-DVD players haven't come out yet.

But DVHS is here now, so record away!

True, but I'm not sure I see your point. Sure shows like Alias and CSI are downconverted when put on dvd, but the only other option is to wait until HD-DVD of some sort becomes available.