The 990's IR sensor is all the way to the left, whereas the 950's sensor (which was always a very sensitive sensor) was near the center. In my system, that was a big deal, since the cabinet door completely covers the 990's sensor. (Along similar lines, I used to have trouble with our old entertainment center and my DVD recorder because the cat would perch on top and hang his very fluffy tail down along the left side of the equipment rack, covering the DVD recorder's sensor window.) Could you have a similar obstacle getting in the way?