I would like to learn more about electronics (FPGAs, programming them, interfacing with analogue circuitry etc.), so I have decided to get an FPGA.
At first, I want to play with it to see how it works, and then I want to implement some "personal interest projects". These will require two-way communication with my PC, and if possible, my Ethernet network.
I want to do things like drive an array of LEDs to be a VU meter, send/receive IR signals (using an integrated IR IC which I have currently rigged up to my PC's serial port to receive, and a much simpler circuit to send), read from (up to 2) temperature and humidity sensors, and hopefully (ultimately?) drive an LCD of some sort. I am thinking of starting with a basic 16x2 and later moving onto driving a small colour screen (which I have not chosen yet).
This is only what I currently want to do, and I expect my wishes to grow as I gain experience with the hardware and software, and I will probably need to be able to interface to many devices at once.
Now, I now some people will be reading this and thinking that I should get an MCU instead because it's cheaper, easier, ... . I wouldn't mind getting an MCU, but since I am doing this for fun, and not for profit, I am willing to try and kill two birds with one stone and learn about the hardware and software at the same time.
What I am after is a product, or someone's idea of a good collection of products that would make this possible, workable, and fun. I don't mind spending more money than one normally would on the parts since this is not for mass production. Something reasonably priced and easy to build on would be ideal.
Suggestions please.