As with all infra-red remotes, the receiver has to see the signal, so if it is behind the AVANT it is unlikely to see the Beo5 signal.

Given, that it is unlikely that you would wish to move the Virgin box from behind the AVANT, then you may wish to purchase a cheap infra-red extender, where you have a small IR transmitter in front of the Virgin box and the small receiver where it can receive the IR signal from the Beo5.

Haven't gotten anywhere unfortunately!

I'm still hoping there's an alternative to buying a Beo5!

Wish I could switch to Sky but I'm stuck in my contract I'm afraid 

Assuming your Virgin remote control works perfectly with your Virgin box and you are sure that the STB IR transmitter is correctly placed over the Virgin Boxes IR receiver, then the only assessment can be that the STB controls are not compatible with your STB.

As you have the latest chipset in your AVANT and B&O will no longer be providing STB updates, then you are left with three (3) options:-

1. Change from Virgin to Sky
2. Purchase a Lintronic box and let it drive the Virgin box taking its signal from pin 8 (AVL) on the SCART
3. Purchase a Beo5 and control the unit directly

I guess there is a forth option, but unlikely one you would consider and that is to purchase a Beovision with a PUC which can be software updated for the Virgin box.

Thanks for your help as always Keith. I guess its a Beo5 for me then!

Has anyone in the UK managed to get a good deal on one sine the dealers are struggling at the moment? They don't seem to come up on the second hand market very often.