Using a matrix switch and separate amps would work too. Really that is all the whole house systems are with the addition of the control keypads to make it easier to use. Of course you need to make sure there is some sort of volume control built into the matrix switch or the amps. You don't really want to control the volume of the source because any change to the source volume effects ALL zones listening to the source. If there is only going to be one person listening to a source at a time, I guess you can plan on adjusting the source volume, but if this is true, then is a matrix system really needed anyway?
If you can put the surround sound amp in the actual location where you are going to use it, it certainly makes the control aspect easier because you can just use the normal remote control vs trying to do it via some software. If you don't want to rely on the keypads, then some sort of control software would be required. It doesn't have to be a full fledged automation system and if you have programming skills, you could probably write a simple program yourself. But using the off the shelf software is the route most of us have to take.
If you can put the surround sound amp in the actual location where you are going to use it, it certainly makes the control aspect easier because you can just use the normal remote control vs trying to do it via some software. If you don't want to rely on the keypads, then some sort of control software would be required. It doesn't have to be a full fledged automation system and if you have programming skills, you could probably write a simple program yourself. But using the off the shelf software is the route most of us have to take.