I'm not answering for Jon. Just giving my thoughts on this.
How exactly do you plan on switching zones
There is no switiching between zones. Say, for example, that it is set-up like this:
Zone 1 - Front blaster
Zone 2 - Left channel (split from stereo external emitter jack)
Zone 3 - right channel
So if you have an emitter on the left channel, it will always be Zone 2 and will always be active. So sending a IR command to zone 2 will always go to the STB hooked up to the left channel.
Have you talked to SnapStream to see if you guys could figure out something that will work well with them? I would hate to see Zoned software that still won't work for SS 3.5 (and I think a lot of other USB-UIRT users feel the same way).
I don't think this is something that you will have to worry about. BTV3.5 isn't even in public beta yet. Also, Jon's product is supported by other software packages as well. It is not Jon's responsibility to make sure that it will work with other software, but he does try to make it as easy as possible.... he even has a developers forum here. BTV3.5 will support an API, for people to create there own plug-ins. So even if BTV doesn't include upgraded support for this device, I guarantee that someone will come up with it.
I, for one, am very excited about this software upgrade to the USB_UIRT, when and if it ever becomes public. Zoned IR devices, such as the Ocelot and GlobalCache, are very expensive and developed for the more advanced Home Automation and Security crowd, rather than just supporting a few cable boxes. If this software upgrade does come to fruition, I think Jon will have to employ a few more people to help him, as he should see an influx of people wanting his product. $50 for this device, as is, is a great deal....and zoned IR (even if it is only 3 zones), and you have product that can be marketed, not only to the HTPC crowd, but those into HA as well. While this will upgrade will not replace the other products mentioned above, it will definetly be a product for newbies, and the not rich.
At this time, it comes down to a game of patience. Patience for BTV3.5 to go Gold (months away maybe) and patience for Jon to work on his software. They say it is a virtue... I say, whipping a donkey to make it move, wont turn it into a Thoroughbred.
As I stated in the beginning, these are just my thoughts, so I may be way off target. I certainly dont want to step on Jon's toes, so please correct me if I stated something totally useless or incorrect.
Treetop