thank you for your answer, I bit the bullet and went to my local Sony Centre before I saw your answer anyway.
Bottom line is I'm very pleased with the remote control functionality even to the point that when it is docked in the cradle my AV equipment, which is in an awkward non-line of sight positions, has no problems with this extremely efficient tablet IR transmitter so I will have to return my Remote Infrared Repeater I bought just in case.
I was also considering buying the Logitech Harmony Link IR two RF booster hardware, as their database of compatible remote controls has always been the de facto standard but I don't think that will be necessary now.
Just a tip for those who are having to use the "learning functionality" as I had to do with just one of my three AV hardware, an obscure Gateway XHD 3000 monitor.
It takes a bit of trial and error whilst pointing your old remote control to the tablet in learning mode. I wasn't having success until I realise that I needed to release the corresponding button on the old remote control as soon as it is going through the detection and reading phase, indicated by a green progress bar, as if I didn't release it quick enough that particular buttons functionality wouldn't be stored correctly.
once I got the knack programming was much much quicker, often in the first attempt with that particular method.
