I have the Sony VL900 and think it great. The only problem is that I have to be right in front of my components for it to work. Is there any way to increase the distance?

Thanks

That's generally not been a problem (it has great range). How far are you trying to operate from, how far does it work from, and is it all or just one device.

If I don't have the remote facing the Receiver and/or TV it won't turn on. I have to be right in front of the unit. My entertainment stand wont turn just the TV stand does. So if Im sitting on my other couch to the side the remote won't work well.

Thanks

This has not been a problem with mine at all in fact I can point mine at the wall on the oposite side of the room and it controls everything or have front of the remote a half inch from an object pointing the oposite directin of the tv and still control it. I would say you either have bad batteries or a bunk remote. There is one other possibility does the original remote work at all angles? If not don't expect this one or any one to it could be the positioning and type of receiver on the set your controlling.

I have noticed on my 2100 that the range and spread(from side to side) is great but the spread(up and down) is very limited. I have my remote sitting on a coffee table(18" high) about 8' away from my components. My components are stacked in a cabinet. The lower components receive the IR signal without any problem but the upper ones are not seeing the signal. I have resorted to putting a magazine under the front portion of my remote to elevate the signal beam to a higher angle. I may endup putting a signal repeater inside the cabinet.

Did you check if the batteries are fresh? Sorry for a stupid comment, but maybe...
Also are any of the components behind a plastic or glass door- it might be weakening the signal.