I have been reading this thread and was struck with fear, I too have a RC5000 and a Telepest box, and I too suffer the same problems. But whilst seeking a solution...found a press release on Reuters that states TELEWEST have signed a deal with Scientfic Alanta for their Explorer 4000DVB Set top box, and from what I can see it uses normal IR codes...so have sent e-mail to Telewest and still awaiting a response. It might be worth you all doing the same!

Hope this is of some help