A cheap, straightforward approach
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=300-830&DI…
There is another way to do it by modulating the audio sources onto a coax wire
and using a TV or VCR to tune in the source that you want. This is very easy
for non-techinal people to figure out, but it doesn't sound as good.
Here's the really cool Linux approach you're looking for:
A linux server with an RME HDSP card (12 stereo inputs on 3 ADAT ports), 3
8-channel A/D converters, and some kind of software (icecast?) to serve up
those 12 stereo streams in near-realtime. The clients would be made up of an
embedded fanless Via EPIA mobo (analog or digital stereo outputs) with a
touchscreen and some client software (MythTV or even XMMS).
If there are any investors out there who want to make this work, give me a
call!
-Ben Loftis