There are computer-card options for Free-to air reception, but without a regular receiver, they probably would make it tough to aim and peak your dish. I'd shop around for a fairly simple receiver to start with (the fta receivers will do both 'big dish' or c-band signals, and ku-band (if your dish has a ku-lnb on it) signals ). I think once you see what all you can tune in, you probably will want to explore further. It's addictive for a hobby, and can get expensive, just depends on your tastes in tv viewing. check The List, top of the pages here, and click on some of the c-band sats for examples of some of the programming. It's not really an option to replace pay-tv, but the signal quality is amazing, and the variety is almost endless.