spooky, you're close. viva variety was a spin-off of a state sketch. and much of the state cast is now in reno 911. the state cast also made a movie called "wet hot american summer," which featured ucb member amy poehler. but other than that, there is no connection between the state and ucb.
as for higher quality videos of thelonelyisland.com stuff, i haven't seen any. but the
www.spidermonkeyfiasco.com videos are pretty decent quality. so if video quality is what you're looking for definately check out spider monkey. as for the quality of the comedy, you will have to judge for yourself.