[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-May-02 AT 09:42 PM (GMT)]@ Okverd,
There are loads of great receivers around and I've only tried a couple of them. Everyone has their favourites, but the two that seem to be very popular at the moment are the Humax 5400 irci in particular(Patched with Allcam so no cam required) and the Hyundai HSS1000irci (similarly patched with Allcam, both of these have files written specifically for them, so you should always be able to find them. To program for these, you will need a decent multimode programmer such as the Elvis or VX Tools and silver or fun cards.
There are several members who have tried many different receivers, so could give you a more valued judgement, the above are popular because they are good though.
@ Unkle,
Forget about programming gold cards for Sky, it can't be done. There are however many other satellites out there with channels just waiting to be hacked. Have a look around the general forum and you will see what other people are watching. You will of course need a suitable receiver and the advice above applies to you as well.
Rolf