Budget-minded component matrix + cat5 balun

I think I want to centralize my components, HD cable PVR, HD cable box, Blu-Ray and PC in my basement and distribute HD video and digital audio to 4 zones.

I know I can use a 4x4 component + digital audio matrix and use cat5e baluns. I also know there are matrix switches with cat5e outputs to forego the need for baluns at the transmitting end.

I want to know what the best option(s) would be to distribute 4 HD sources to 4 HD zones for as cheap as possible.

From my searching, I can get a 4x4 matrix switch with component video and digital audio for around $800. Adding on 4 pairs of baluns for $60 each I am just over $1000.

Looking at matrix switches with cat5e outputs and having to buy 2 pairs of baluns the cost is considerably more, around $2000.

Is there really a benefit to using the matrix switch with cat5e output that it would be worth spending twice as much? The problem is I think $800 for a matrix switch is too much considering thats what I paid for my 40" 1080p LCD.

I was thinking, it should also be possible to use 4 component distribution amps, one for each source, and then component video switchers, one for each zone. It would mean a lot more wiring but essentially it is breaking a matrix switcher into its separate components.

I found a 1-in-4-out distribution amp for $30 and Monoprice has a 4-in-1-out component switcher with IR for $20, I would need 4 of each of these. This is WAY cheaper and more complicated wiring-wise but it essentially achieves the exact same thing.

Each component switch is IR controlled so yes, I will need an IR repeater and each room will need its own remote to control the switcher for that room located in the basement. This isn't much different than using a matrix switch though except the matrix switch only needs one remote (but still one per room).

I would just have to keep each switch and IR repeater optically separate from the others so that there wouldn't be any cross-controlling of the other switchers.

Regarding the cables; becasue everything will be centrally located, the sources, the amps and the switchers, the component cables don't need to be long at all. Yes I will need quite a few, 20 if my math is correct but they don't need to be very long, only a couple feet at the maximum. Monoprice has 3 foot component cables for $1.63 ($32 total) so that cost is actually very low. I guess if I went with their premium cables they are almost $8 each ($160 total).

I'm thinking if I can figure out the control issues with IR repeating over RF (I'm not going to run any more wires just for IR control) then this is definitely the cheapest way to go.

Yes, it would have to be 4 separate IR systems and each source would have 4 emitters (one from each zone) attached to it. Thats the way I see it now but I will keep investigating all the options for IR systems and see if I can combine them and reduce the total number of emitters.

I'd also have to have a learning universal remote (Harmony) for each zone. That would be needed regardless of which method I take but that adds to the cost as well.

It seems there is the possibility of using a Harmony 890 Pro that is able to control multiple zones using RF. I would just need to configure each zone to include the same 4 sources and the receiver and TV within that zone. I'd only need one IR blaster for that remote with 1 emitter for each source. Seems like thats the easiest way to do it.

Anyone know of any other multi-zone remotes? Be better if they are RF as well but that can be added on too.

I'm thinking the 4x4 matrix is worth the extra cost over the 4 distribution amps and switchers to make the control from all 4 rooms easier.

Wow, thats a great deal especially for a 8x8. I guess I'll just keep my eye on the auctions and wait for a better price. Right now the best I can do for a 4x4 is just under $700.