As if I didn't have enough USB gadgets sticking out of my laptop already, I just traded the two extra RAM modules I had for a Twinhan starbox USB DVB-S device. Clearly a winning bargain, thanks Nabil; you're the best.
Connecting it for the first time to a stock hardy kernel it got recognized but complained about firmware. For some reason this was not easily available, but eventually I found it. I'll attach it here, stick it in /lib/firmware and you're all set. Here's what the kernel should say if everything is kosher :