decent RF universal control system

Skip IR repeaters, they work but are a PITA, I like the Harmony 890, comes with an RF to IR relayer, so yep it works through walls, and can even control multiple RF->IR receivers for control of different rooms from one remote. It's also very easy to program and can be had for $244 from Amazon.

Harmony One is the best remote I ever owned. It does not sit on the table unused. Easy PC based setup, controls 15 devices and has awesome activity feature.The design fits in your hand perfectly the buttons are large and in the right place. Read the reviews online. I paid around 180.00 so serch the web for that too.

Some people consider this a repeater.It picks up the IF in one box,converts it to RF,transmits the RF signal around your house.Then the other box picks up the RF,and turns it back into IF and emits IF out to your tv,components etc.,from the second box.As you can see,this one has its problems.Link>>>[http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049642]