Linux based distributed audio system
 

I am trying to create a Linux based distributed audio system that will use one of the many Linux media servers. The server side is pretty trivial, its configuration is not much different then any other network based service however the client side is where I am have an issue.

Since the audio files are in digital format and will be streamed over a LAN I have to decode this stream and convert it to an analog signal so I can have the flexibility of using external speakers, as I would like to wall mount them in multiple rooms. I do not want to dedicate a standard desktop PC to be the decoder so I am having a tough time trying to find an alternative. I had thought about using some SFF computer as the client for each location I want to stream audio to, however in order for this to work the cost per SFF has to be around $50 per unit so that the total cost does not exceed what it would cost to use a standard analog distribution system and just export he audio straight from the Linux server to that.

Does anyone know of any method to stream audio to a room or rooms without having to use a desktop?

May not be practical if you are not into electronics and the cost might be higher then $50 but here a a few ideas.
http://dev.emcelettronica.com/microc...dio-demo-board
http://mwurm.freehostia.com/ds80c400/index.html

The Microchip Internet-radio-demo-board is actually darn near close to what I am looking for, thanks for the info.

Found something promising
 

The beauty of this forum is the ability to connect with peers and ask for a fresh perspective on something that has you baffled. The much appreciated response I received yesterday from michaelk; thanks again, helped refresh my search and I was able to find the following link on how to build your own WIFI radio:

http://mightyohm.com/blog/2008/10/bu...-introduction/

This website is a blog from someone who likes to tinker with DIY technology and details the steps to convert a WIFI router into a Internet radio appliance using an embedded version of Linux (OpenWRT). I wasn't looking for WIFI capability but it will prove to be of great benefit when I am locating the units. Everything looks pretty straight forward, the how to provides just about every feature I was looking for in a remote streaming audio client and depending on the price I can get the WLAN routers for the total cost should be under $50.