Channel 10 have a nice video showing Autonomic audio distribution system for Media Center, which uses a 7.1 sound card to distribute 4 separate stereo pairs.  Also shown in the video is a neat solution for controlling Media Center via a UMPC or a Tablet PC. There is a 14 day trial version available from Autonomic’s web site

While in Orlando for the Electronic Home Expo, I talked to Michael De Nigris from Autonomic Controls. They have a very cool system for Media Center that includes some very innovative solutions. For starters, they can take a 7.1 sound card (which is technically 8 channels) and split it into 4 individual stereo zones that they can send throughout your house.
They also have a solution for using a UMPC (or TabletPC, or laptop) as an uber remote control for your Media Center. Very cool.

eHome Expo – Autonomic Controls | Larry Larsen | Channel 10