I have two HR21-700s installed in a wiring closet in the basement and controlled with Radio Shack IR repeaters. Both HR21-700s and a TiVo HR10-250 are all connected to 3 different HDTVs in my house, so I can view shows from any of them from any TV.

I also have had problems controlling the HR21s with the DirecTV remote. Recently I tried the new URC-WR7 universal remote which I think can only be purchased at Walmart. It has a 3 digit code for the first HR21-700 and I had to learn all the keys for the second one, but the two HR21s and the HR10 all work great with that remote.

Don't get the URC-R7, because its signal is not strong enough to contol the HR21s. The new URC-WR7 has the red green yellow blue buttons across the botom of the remote.

[Link: walmart.com]