does anyone know what cards would work with mce and fta?
normally, it should work with any card that is 100% functional in linux. for example Skystar pci boards.
If you mean FTA as in DVB-T, then yes, the sky star is great. Mine uses about 1-2% CPU usage. I think there are two sites right now selling them, one has a remote and LIRC dongle free and the other does not (for the same price).