One way to get around this in the future is to use a remote that is RF capable like a Pronto. As mentioned above, certain cable boxes have IR codes that don't pass well with certain IR receivers. The Elan IR tube passes all IR codes we have tried so far, and with the white electrical tape trick mentioned above works well around a plasma
Bruce Sinclair CMB Integrations LLC DMC-E "Those who are most critical, often have no real skills themsevles"
