Advice for multi-zone setup

Glowrdr

So I work in IT, and have a client that is looking to have a multi-zone system setup. The issue that I am running into is that he does not have everything wired to a central location.

Basically, I am looking for a solution that would include the ability for a 2 zone HDMI connection (I guess I shouldn't say 2 zone, just the capability of dual cloned displays if wanted), as well as 2 centrally wired zones that need to be broken down further (make sense?)

Wired location 1 includes wiring for a bedroom, and an attached bath. (2 zones)

Location 2 includes the living room, a dining room, and kitchen (3 zones)

I believe he is possibly looking to have outdoor music as well, but that is currently not wired.

I previously had made arrangments with him to install a Bose lifestyle system with the wireless amps for each zone. Sometime between then and now, he decided that was cost prohibited (He owns some software company, and Bose happens to be a client of his so he thought he could get a great deal - maybe they didn't get that memo)

Is there anything out there that I should be looking at? I'm not asking for someone to create a custom install plan for me or anything, but I'm not sure what's out there that would fit this need.

Glowrdr

Just looked, and I was able to find the original system I put together for him, with the e-mail from Bose stating what his discount would be.

Lifestyle 28, SA-2 and SA-3 amps, (3) Bose 201 speakers, the outdoor expansion package, and 2 of the Bose links. All can be purchased for just a hair under $3k which seems to be a bit more than he was thinking of spending.

(Being that he does business with Bose, he requested to use Bose exclusively, but that seems to have changed to obviously the speakers would be the first thing to change. lol)

apphd

Seeing as how he balked at $3k, I assume his budget is < that. Or he realized he could do better with his $3k I have never looked for those features, but I think you are looking at an AVR with at least 2 HDMI outs, and multi zone audio capabilities. With that $3k figure I don't think you could do it with a dedicated processor (whole sys.). Something like these I think would meet your requirements, but wait for others with more knowledge to see if I'm on the right track, good luck:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Elite+Receivers/VSX-33

http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=3d9614d1-8000-4106-ab91-8192242cab83&SubId=40b5820d-83c2-4e93-9909-60aae60e0bdd&ProductId=333b93c6-1dd0-4176-a06c-d2224674832a

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR809&class=Receiver&p=f

NAD I don't think can do it via all HDMI.
Is his budget for the whole enchilata? Displays, speakers, source, copper etc.? Also watch your run lengths with the HDMI.

Glowrdr

He's got the display, and all of the components. Basically is looking to have me provide an AVR of some sort. Speakers are all wired, with the exception of I believe the living room (I thought they were all in-wall, but being I quoted 3 201's there must be a small need someplace)

The reason things are a little vague for me is that he came to me in May of 2009, then kind of fell off the face of the earth. Now he is back and I haven't returned for a proper walk-through again.

Basically he just wants to tie in his bedroom/living room TV (only 1 source would be used at once), while being able to support multiple listening areas. Shouldn't be too tough, I just don't know if I can do that with a straight multi-zone AVR since I've never used one like that. I understand the concept, but have yet to put it in real world use.

apphd

That makes it sound a little easier for the $3k amount. Two displays would require 2 HDMI outs which looks pretty easy in the $1k MSRP tier. Reading your OP closer it looks like the number of audio zones may be the difficult part. Is the bedroom only going to be 2 speakers?

You may need to look at some thing like this, and I think it's in your neck of the country.

http://www.htsrochester.com/

orhttp://www.russound.com/

Just do a Google Search for "Distributed audio and video" that will keep you busy for a while until some of the pros here see this.

Glowrdr

Yeah, nothing was wired with surround sound in mind. From what I recall, the bedroom (2 speakers) and bathroom (1 or 2 speakers) are both wired to the same recepticle. Then the living room (2 speakers), dining room (2) and kitchen (1 or 2) are all wired to the same recepticle. Any outdoor setup would need to be completely wireless.

The RUS sound CA4 option looks pretty promising. I'll have to pull some details and manuals from the site to see what other components would be needed. Price almost seems to ggod to be true, so I need to see what I'm missing.

apphd

Yeah I would research them pretty heavily, as I have no knowledge of them or the gears quality (sound or build). Just a ref. of what you may need to look into.