Any ideas why all of my components would operate perfectly using the URC MRF-250 basestation except my Directv box. Occasionly it will recognize a signal perhaps one out of 50. This is the newest HD DVR from Directv and I am using an Aurora. Everthing works fine with IR but not via the RF repeater. This means I have to keep my AV cab door open when watching TV.

Do a search here on MRF-250 and MRF-300. There are lots of things that could cause your problems.

You will find a list that includes a whole procedure to follow when setting this up. Do Not Skip Any Steps. If after following the procedure you are still having problems, come back and give us more details.

I moved my emitters a few inches above the IR receiver of my HR20's, stuck to the bottom of the shelf above them and pointing down.

It works ok... even better after adding RFI filters.

One of the best tests to see if you have reliable communications is to exercise the favorite channel macros.

The new dvr's are incredibly sensitive.
I did a simple IR system today and ended up with the emitter 1-1/2" to the left of the "eye" on the DVR.

Take a piece of electrical tape and puncture a needle sized hole in it. Then place it entirely over the sensor. Then Hot glue the flasher over the tape. Hot glue is just used to help ensure it sticks.

Thanks to everyone for the excellent suggestions. Interesting that the problem appears to be with oversensitivity. I never considered this angle.

The black tape and black double sided sticky foam methods didn't work for me, but yes the key is to move the emitter farther away or somehow cut down on its output so as not to oversaturate the HR20's sensor.

The new Directv boxes are way too sensitive... and the funny thing is, it vary's from box to box. What works on one may or may not work on another. Thanks Directv!!!

Where is your base station sitting? On the shelf? Above the DVR, directly on top? On the AVR?
BNC

I used to hate programming (especially favorite channels) h20s and hr20s but now its no big deal. This method works everytime on at least 25 boxes. I think the idea is to understand that IR sensitivity is the issue and to tackle this problem from there armed with that knowledge.