I do own a polk tuner but only use the IR function to turn it on. I use RS232 for all other functions. The Polk tuner IMHO has a design error in that the RS232 circuitry is off when the unit is in standby, ergo you can not use RS232 to turn it on!

I do use a xantech distribution network but the only IR code I ever send it (the polk tuner) is Power ON and it is sent through a USB-UIRT from a PC and not from a Pronto. I have no special tape, foil or anything over the emitter jsut a stick on emitter. It does not fail.