hide equipment

Simple add an infrared repeater system; which consists of an "eye" on the outside of the cabinet, a distribution device, a power supply and an emitter for each remote component.

You can see such a kit at this link (cut & paste):

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-lcYh26izyNV/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=194550&I=190RCA3KIT&search=infrared+repeater+system

Dean.

I use a Radio Shack remote extender. It has a small (2 inch triangle) that picks up the signal and relays it to a small emitter that sits next to my preamp. It works great, but I only use it for my remote volume control, so I'm not sure what other commands it will pass on.

My Sony Direct TV reciever has a remote that communicates by both IR and RF. The RF feature allows you to control the receiver from a second TV in another room. (The on-screen display of the Sony tells you what is going on).

I think I saw an ad for a RF control which can be used with the usual IR control. I guess it picks up the IR from the remote and converts it to a RF signal. Then, a RF receiver picks up the signal and outputs IR to the receiver (or whatever you are controling).

thanks to everyone very helpful and plenty to look at and food for thought...thanks you goner's are the best

For my HT system, my Marantz remote uses radiofrequency (RF) to control the electronics. Thus they are all in a closed-door cabinet, separate and adjacent to the viewing and listening area. I like this arrangement of having the gear (except for the TV and speakers obviously) out of sight. There are other remotes that use IR or RF that work just as well.