I would like to do a whole setup in my home, but have never done any satellite work, although I'm good with computers.
I would like Dish reception, they offer Greek channels. Can I program these international channels? Do I need certain dishes or recievers For DI$H network? Can I program HD or DVR recievers? what programming hardware do I need?
Russ, this deals with FTA-type receivers only. There are two ways to hack satellites: 1. with proprietary receivers (to which you are referring), and, 2. with FTA ("free-to-air") receivers (e.g. Pansat).
If you want to use FTA then you need an FTA receiver and a way to program it, which is usually using a serial cable. You will have to download what's known as a bin file to the receiver in order to deal with DN or BEV satellite decrytion). For DN, you will need two lnbs aimed at 110 degress and 119 (you may also need a third aimed at 121 for the international stuff).
This should get you started, but like LK says try and read as much as you can about FTA because there's a lot to know.