I have Total Choice Plus, I upgraded to a HD DVR and did not have to change my programming package.
Keep in mind that was about a year ago.
I've upgraded my Dish, receivers, and HD programming over the last couple of years and have never been told that I have to change my programming package. Although I do everything on the phone and not through the website.
I just changed to a HD DVR last month; did not have to change my package; and just had to pay a 19.95 processing fee and the 4.99 monthly DVR Service fee.