Our RCA DSS receiver does use IR, only the high end 3rd gen. 515 receiver uses the RF remote. The 4th gen system we have has the small receiver.

Here is a large picture of the VR-209 Kenwood receiver and Remote. The remote wil only scan the channels down, and only the '2', '4', and '6' will work. I can't get, say, '135' unless I scan down.

The Marantz is a bit out of our price range, but maybe would be worth the extra cash?!

I like the idea of a touch screen or even a LCD disply. The button thing isn't a problem, just as long as my wife could understand it. I have a chance to buy the Rotel for $100+ s/h. The SL9000 for $101 delivered. But the Sony looks like a combo of the 2.

Again, please let me know which of all, would do the best job.