I have investigated this problem and have designed control extension manipulators. Being very long tubes (like speaker cable you order by length) there are disadvantages over remote controls as you have to angle the units so that the tubes reach your listening seat. There is also the problem of having to step over them as you go around the room. The prototypes are cardboard but we are looking into flexible tubing (hose) so it can go around furniture or under the carpet. Sounds so much better than an electronic remote it is frightening and it doesn't need batteries either.

(Imagining the the background music to looney toons [oh don't you miss 'em!!!]) "erh - thats all folks"

Richard