[mythtv-users] front/back-end vs 'MegaMythTV'

[Bob Swithers]

I'm interested in getting into Linux, and want a house-wide PVR solution so have been following this forum and doing some homework for about a week.
I was first quite attracted to MythTV's backend/frontend possibility.  I have 5 TVs scattered around the house (I admit that's nuts), and want my wife and I each able to record programs as we wish (so possibly multiple concurrent recordings), and would want to watch live TV or any recording from any of the 5 locations.  As I don't want fans or big heat sources in our main living areas, the possibility of a lightweight frontend seemed attractive.  The more I think about it, though, it seems like it may not be the best solution.

First, each front-end looks like it might cost $180 or more.  (Adrian's recent post of his $130 front-end excluded power supply, keyboard, remote control, etc., and many might opt for a slightly beefier processor.)   At 4-5 front-ends, that adds up.
Second, there are places where putting a front-end is just not convenient -- like for the small TV on the kitchen counter.  (And the nearby cupboards are full and don't have electricity.)  Last, there is the significant challenge of running new Cat-5 wiring to each of the TV locations.

An alternative would be a single 'MegaMythTV' which does all the work on a single box and distributes the video over the existing cable wiring.  I'm writing to ask you whether this is feasible.

Are there restrictios in either Linux or MythTV which would prohibit running multiple (e.g., 5) display cards with TV-Out?   Similarly, are there any restrictions on the number of tuner cards?  (I'm ignoring the question of the number of free slots in a PC chassis.)   Certainly the processor would have to be sized accordingly, but the incremental cost of any faster CPU is smaller than 5 times the cost of the motherboards for the frontends.  If this is all possible, then each TV locations could be provided with an RF remote control with USB connection, and I think I've found one for $35 each retail.  Also, are there any restrictions in lirc support of multiple remotes?

I do know there are some things that many people might want that this doesn't provide.  E.g., you need the front-end, for example, if you care about generating local 5.1-channel surround sound -- if you care.  Also, if you want a local DVD-player you'd want a distributed system.  However, if the above concept works, one could still mix and match.  E.g., one large backend master, plus one backend slave with a DVD player and good audio in the main entertainment rooms, but have the remaining rooms have their video served directly from the large multi-video-out backend.

In summary, the questions are:
1.  Is there any restriction on multiple display cards with TV-Out?   In Linux?   In MythTV?   For any other reason?   Is there a better way?
2.  Same questions regarding TV tuners?
3.  Same questions regarding remote controls?

Your answers, thoughts, opinions will be appreciated.
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