*** Outline ***

I?m wiring my house for multi-room audio and I?d like to build a
Windows-XP based audio server that:
- contains two to four PCI stereo sound cards
- stores a library of digital music in the MP3 format
- runs a software media player that can simultaneously send a
different playlist/audio stream to each sound card

I plan to link the audio outputs from the multiple sound cards to a
multi-room amplifier setup and use the WindowsXP Pro Remote Desktop
feature to access the audio server from any other computer in the
house to change what music is playing in each room / zone.

*** System Specifications ***

I?m prototyping this system in a DELL PowerEdge 400SC containing 1GB
RAM and a 200GB Hard Drive. The processor is a 2.8GHz Pentium 4. More
info on the 400SC: http://www.aaltonen.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8

For the actual installation, I plan to purchase/build a rack-mounted
WindowsXP Pro system and replicate the sound card / media player
setup.

I have not yet purchased any sound card hardware or media player
software for this project (that?s where I need your help ;-)

*** Answer Requirements ***

1. Is this possible using currently available hardware and software?
If not, please recommend an alternate approach. If yes?

2. What make(s) and model(s) of PCI sound card do you recommend for
this audio server?

3. What software media player(s) will support this multi-room setup?

Extra credit: is there a brand of rack-mounted PC that you recommend?

BPM Studio Gastro is a powerful 6-times MP3-Player specifically
developed for the gastronomy. Whether you own a discoteque, nightclub,
restaurant, bar, radio station, hotel or another establishment, the
Gastro Edition is the ideal and user-friendly sound management system.

A PC equipped with a multi-channel sound card allows you to centrally
manage all your music needs throughout your establishment.

http://www.alcatech-us.com/dj_software_bpm_studio_%20gastro.cfm