I have a set of Bose outdoor speakers that work very well with my stereo system, except that I've got to run inside every time I want to adjust the volume or fast forward a CD track. I programmed a Pronto 2000 to control my audio/video equipment and I was toying with the idea of setting up an outdoor IR sensor connected to indoor transmitters in order to give me outdoor control.

I did some research and found the sensor, connecting block, and transmitters that I would need for this but I was told that the IR signals will probably not work in the sunlight. To get around this, I have thought about installing a hardwired keypad (like the Smart Pad2) that would allow me to press buttons on a panel and send IR signals through the indoor transmitters. The keypads and the related control blocks are kind of pricey, though, and I wanted to make sure that I was not missing a simpler, less expensive solution.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on this. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

What about RF. I have a little gadget called a leapfrog. I don't think is was very expensive. It hooks to an existing IR remote and sends a radio signal to an IR blaster that re-sends the IR command. I have the blaster high on a cabinet in my kitchen that happens to have a good "view" of my equipment stack. I use this to run my receiver from my office on the 2nd floor. Should work outside to inside as well.
There is a thread going here at remote central where a clever person has integrated the leapfrog (or a knockoff of it) directly inside pronto. I'd think you might want to leave pronto inside and use a cheaper remote for outdoors.