Let me be the one to answer this question with complete accuracy. You are correct, all previous versions of the Bose Lifestyle systems, including the Lifestyle 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 12, 8, 5, 3 and all previous versions of the Bose custom installed “BUILT-INvisible” line all use RF to communicate with the Music Center. Other remotes that use RF will not be able to control these systems because these “RF remotes” use RF to communicate with their own proprietary base units, these base units then convert this RF signal back into standard IR commands. Modifying a Pronto or other device with an RF modulator will also not work.
I can confirm for you that all NEW Bose Home Theater systems, including the Lifestyle 35 & 28, the Bose 3-2-1 home entertainment systems and the new BUILT-INvisible Home Theater products have the ability to be controlled via IR.
Here's how each system works: The new Bose 3-2-1 Home Entertainment system uses a standard IR-based remote that can be taught to any “learning” remote.
The Bose Lifestyle 35 & 28 use an "RF" remote to communicate with the new DVD-based Media Center, when the Media Center receives a command from it’s remote for a programmed TV, VCR (incl. TiVo & Replay) or SAT/Cable box, the Media Center will send out a VERY strong IR blast from the front of the Media Center. This IR blast is strong enough to bounce off adjacent walls and control components that are even located on the same bookcase, without direct line of sight. If some of these components are hidden away in a cabinet, the user can connect the included IR-emitter from the Media Center to these components. One other note worthy feature that is not available on any other complete home theater system is a “TV sensor”(included) that will act as a gatekeeper for IR commands. If the TV is already powered ON and you select the “TV” or “DVD” button on the remote, it will block the “TV power ON” command from being sent to keeping the system in-sync. (this means absolute reliable operation)
The Lifestyle 35 & 28 also has the ability to be controlled by an IR remote, by simply enabling this feature from the on-screen menu. Since the remote control does not output the IR signals you will need to hold the learning remote up to the front of the Media Center’s display then press the desired button on the RF remote. This will tell the Media Center to output the appropriate IR command to be learned by the learning remote..
The brand new Bose BUILT-INvisible home theater systems (TS-600, 400 & 200) also have the ability to be controlled via standard Bose RF remotes or programmable/learning IR remotes, but must be designed and installed by an authorized Bose custom dealer.
I hope this has helped add clarity to this dilemma.
