Years ago, I designed an IR transmitter with a CF card form factor. PDAs running an IR application became a programmable universal remote. Something similar here would sell like hotcakes (that probably dates me) compared to the $1000 MX3000 and various Pronto touchscreen remotes. It could use either the USB or µSD connectors.
Yes, I too was surprised about no on-board native IR, but I guess they have to draw the lines somewhere.
I think this might be a solution (once they get it fully ported to Android). A little expensive but:
1. No line-of-sight required (across big room)
2. Works from a whole other room (or patio ie. Zone2 on Amp)
3. It's not like the main home-theater screen or amp/speakers are going anywhere. The magic-box/extra-hardware stays with the HT system.
4. Some components can be inside cabinet (get all Red-Eye advantages)
5. App (at least the iPhone one) looks mature ... along the lines of Harmony (Devices, Activities, and Macros)
http://www.hometechtell.com/technologytell/article/redeye-now-supports-android/http://thinkflood.com/support/redeye/software/android/http://thinkflood.com/support/redeye/android-beta/I don't think the dock will work (instead just becomes a wireless base-station), but I think that's only for charging. If the X-10 company here has something similar, I would likely just buy it from them instead.