pci / sd / hd
Ok so adding an FTA card to comp is an option...
I would like to suggest that an FTA PCI card or USB box
NOT be your first receiver.
Going from nothing ... to getting one running, is a tall order.
Taking that path delayed my entry into FTA by a year or two.
If you get a receiver that is well thought of and well supported, you will get off to a much easier start.
The Pansat 3500sd and the two in my signature would be my suggestions.
All are Standard Definition, have blind scan, and the Visionsat will record to an external USB hard drive, if you want such a feature.
Hopefully, better HD receivers will come. (I'm with Sadoun on this point)
But the programming available through them right now is pretty much limited to PBS, and some sports feeds (which you'd have to blind-scan to find).