The short answer to the OP's question is - Yes , it can be done for less than $600 , However as Bonavox has said , just because you can do somehing , does not mean that you should . But , i guess if you are a DiY guy who's got a lot of time on your hands , i would start with this [Link: xantech.com] , get an IR distribution , then get really familiar with Russound's RS232 protocol , and you may have a starting point .......or a train wreck ;)