I came across this on a US site when looking for something else. I wonder if one of these on top of the IR window would improve the control angles?

http://www.hometech.com/hts/products...tml#AT-IRPRISM

It would be worth trying it to see if it helps the narrow angle of IR reception issue, but is it available in the UK?

Why worry for that price just send abroad.

I've bought loads of stuff form the US. Customs rarely charge you import as a private buyer and if they did it would be minuscule on that amount.

Can you identify a seller of these who will despatch to the UK? I couldn't find one.

I think it might be based on the VAT value, anything under £18.00, (excluding p&p), is not charged VAT, so small value items are usually OK.

The problem is that, depending on the courier used, you can get charged an extortionate 'handling fee'.

OK for items less than £18 which don't attract customs.

And OK for items costing a few hundred but it can make purchase of items in the £18-£100 range uneconomic. Unless you really can't get them anywhere else.

HM Customs changed the regulations recently & upped the level at which they will charge Customs duty from 18 pounds to 105 pounds. This doesn't have much practical impact as VAT is still charged over 18 pounds but will make electrical items etc that would have been subject to duty a little cheaper. As Tern rightly says it's laughable that the courier firms can charge a flat rate handling fee when the VAT being charged may be less than that service charge. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsP...E_PROD1_028770