half nim

I am developing a digital multimedia platform and I have to insert two TV tuners in it. Actually, I have three possibilities to implement each TV tuner module: 1) to use of a daughterboard with enclosed tuner and demod (NIM); 2) to use a daughterboard with only the tuner (half NIM), whereas the demod is on the motherboard; 3) to insert both tuner and demod on the motherboard.
I am using a 4-layer motherboard and also I probably will insert a re-modulator in order to spread to other TVs (through the same antenna cable) a descrambled and decoded transport stream.
I really have a lot difficulties in gathering enough information to be in a position to do an engineering evaluation about each of the above-mentioned three possibilities. Does anyone have some suggestions for me?
I need to know pros & cons, and finally I have to do an expense's evaluation.
Thank you for helping me.

N.

Recently I had to put myself the same question, trying to implement a diversity receiver in a system. Finally I decided to implement a totally separate receiver, identical with the main receiver. The cost probably is a little higher, but not always. Definitely is the most robust solution, switching the receivers in the baseband.
I am using an 8 layer board, so I don?t know if you have enough room for this solution on a 4 layer board.

With a full NIM solution you will be tied to the actual performance of that NIM with no possibility for many improvements, You will also lose access to some I/O

With 1/2 NIM you can have the whole demodulator exposed which will allow access to I/O and better thermal management in most cases. For improvements if needed you will be able to manage any AGC loops better.

:F