The FPGA's are going to require multiple supply rails, but is the correct device for the job.
I suggest you look at one of the many development boards as a first step. See if you can find one that gives you the io functionality you desire. It sounds like a mid-sized Cyclone III should be plenty for you needs.
If you think the DE0 board will work for you, that's a nice cheap board to play with and get use to FPGA's. Of course there's all kinds available. They also have a whole range of Cyclone IV and Cyclone V boards available.
www.terasic.com If you need a CPU in the system as well, the SoCkit is a great way to go as well.
Pete