The AVM-20 has 3 powered IR repeaters, as well as 2 IR emitter outputs. It is designed to be used as both an IR extension, as well as to provide extended control of other devices in the same room. You can hook up a remote IR reciever to one of three inputs, this will allow you to control the AVM-20 from a different room. Then, if you connect an IR emitter to one of the two outputs, it will repeat any IR signal it gets on the IR repeater input. It is basically the same as having an IR extender system such as the xantec or similar, but it is built right in. This is the most flexible/configurable pre/pro on the market today. I am just looking for an alternative rather than ordering IR repeaters from smarthome, paying $50 USD (which will be over $100 by the time I get them in Canada) and waiting 3 weeks to get them delivered. Thanks in advance!