what kind of remote are you using and what is the freq. of the ir code transmitted? some of the higher end stuff will not repeat through a "plasma friendly" repeater cause the filter is the same as the freq. for the remote (ARCAM!!!!) try using no cfl stuff and turn off the plasma see if it works

As for the possibility that too much IR is getting to the DVD and VCR, I have run into this...I once had to teach Sony DSS commands to a Lexicon remote from three feet away, because otherwise the Lexicon signal was too strong and I had to point the remote somewhat away from the DSS to have it work properly!

Try lowering the current that goes into the VCR and DVD LEDs by adding a resistor in series with each of them. If they are not dual LEDs, do this process with each one of them. I know this means cutting open the wire, but it might give you a perfect solution.

Get a 2000 or so ohm pot and wire it in series with the LED, wiring to the center terminal and one other terminal of the pot, and experiment with different settings of this pot to see if you get total success at some position. Then remove the pot from the circuit, carefully measure the resistance between the terminals the LED was connected to, and put in that place a 1/4 or 1/8 watt resistor as close to this value as you can.

guys,
thanks for all the input. yes i'm very serious about this and will keep you posted with the outcome.
cmack,
i don't want to install anything inside the units unless i have no other choice. the client won't be able to change anything out himself. although great job security for myself! i use xantech ir. sytems and they have the same plasma friendly rec. but i don't have a cab. in the front to put it in. on a different note... i don't think i've worked on a cab. that would allow for a 1.5" rec. why can't they make one like a dinky link(just a little bigger)?
THEman,
i don't think it's a freq. problem. the equip.(arcam) that is in the lower cab. is working fine. i do know of the arcam issues but it doesn't seem to be giving me any problems here. the equip. above the cab. is a rotel dvd and a mits. vcr(possibly changing it out to a jvc vcr for the editing and time base features). never had a issue with this equip. before in the since of ir. i'm sorry i don't have the remote model # and i don't know the freq. i have tried it with the plasma off and the ir. system off and the same results. forgot to mention the plasma was off in the previous post.
ernie,
that sounds promising! i'm using the low output emit. from xantech now but it may not be enough.
thanks brandon