If your universal remote offers it, I would suggest using RF instead of IR coming from the remote to a RF receiver that then converts the RF signal and sends it out through its IR repeaters that are attached to your various components. I do not believe RF receivers are much different in cost than an IR receiver. In any event, I did this and it works so good that my 5 year old son loves to run around the house and turn on or off the system!

Ed.