The best way to do it is with an niles repeater system, this will give you a main unit, a main IR sensor that you can mount in your cabinet and then you buy the flashers that go on the equipment. This will give you total control of your system that you can't see. I also would recommend a Harmony remote to control it all.
I have a room in which I need to maximize space by using a flat panel television. I have space for the components (like a satellite box or cable box) in an adjacent closet, and can even run wires through the wall from the components to the TV. Is there a device that will allow me to change channels with a remote control (one that doesn't need to shoot an infrared beam at the cable box or satellite box)? Is there a way to put a small infrared receiver on the wall, that can then send a signal to the hidden cable or satellite box? Any help will be deeply appreciated.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic