Beoworlders,

I'm thinking of replacing my AV-receiver (Marantz NR-1602) with a Playmaker.
The reason is I want to simplify things and because I think the dac in the Playmaker should be better than the Marantz dac (I hope to reach better/clearer sound)

(I finally found a mk2 model that I can buy second hand locally)
The Playmaker will connect directly  to my Beolab 8000's mk2 in the living room.
 I will use the analog line in to connect to my (non-b&o) tv, so all sounds from the tv, go to the Playmaker.
If I like the setup/sound, I will buy a second playmaker (if available second hand), and connect it to my beolab 6000's, which are in my kitchen (I now use the zone2 option for them on my marantz).

The only main concern for me is: How can I control the volume easily?
If I use the Playmaker with Airplay on my iPads/iPhones, I always use the hardware volume buttons on those Apple devices to control the Airplay volume, so that's easy.
But what if I want to control the volume when I use the Playmakers line-in (when watching tv)?

I don't want to use the volume scrollwheel on the Playmaker, because I want to place it out of sight and because I don't want to get up/walk everytime I want to change volume offcourse.

I'm looking for a simple remote controller to do this job (In think the only commands are volume + and volume -, because the source switching and powering the beolabs on and off are done automatically?

 I don't want to buy a Beo4 for this simple job (We wouldn't use all buttons, except volume)
(If I want to setup the Playmaker once, for things like loudness, bass, treble, I can borrow my parents Beo4) 

What would be the best/simplest remote control to perform this job?

Where is the infrared eye located on the playmaker?
If placed out of sight, I'm going to use a infrared extender cable, like this:
http://www.irblaster.info/usb_powered_ir_repeater.jpg 

If this isn't possible, how can I control the line-in volume, without touching the scrollwheel on the Playmaker? Using an app? (I thought the beosetup app is only for the setup, not for controlling) 

I would love to find a good looking minimalistic remote for this simple job ->

I've read that the Essence remote will partially work, but this is not a good remote for me, because I want to pick it up/hold it in my hands while sitting on the couch)

Would the Beoplay A8 remote work?
http://approvedusedbang-olufsen.com/beoplay-a8-remote-control-silver-new.html 
(is this infrared and gives the correct ir volume up/down signals? Will play, next track, etc also work?)  

Or any other (ir-programmable / non-b&o) remotes with good design (like the simple Apple TV remote) up to this task?