[SigmundA]

If you want to try this stuff out cheap, then get a DVB-T dongle that works with RTL-SDR:

http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr http://www.nooelec.com/store/tv28tv2.html

bladeRf, USRP and now HackRF are def a step up but big difference in cost.

There is also http://www.RFSpace.com, http://www.Winradio.com and http://www.flex-radio.com for commercial offerings.