On my DL T3, Remote signal strength seemed to die off after about 2 months.
New batteries, I could bounce the signal off back walls and still have it work.
2 months later i would have to aim directly at the STB.
Then i remembered about the IR extender that came with the DL T3, so thought I would try it.
It's been another 2 months, and i can still bounce the IRC signal off the back walls, and I can tuck my STB out of sight behind the TV.
*Should be a mandatory accessory.
BTW, ...Only remote that ever lasted a year, was a remote I rarely used.
/Shooty