I think you're misunderstanding. I have a remote for my fireplace. It does indeed work on RF, because the receiver is NOT in sight.

Phillips Pronto + IR receiver/RF translator + remote gas fireplace = being able to control EVERYTHING with my Pronto. That is my ideal situation.

But I had let this go because I decided that there was no such translator (thanks to Jim Hogan). I'm content with using the original remote.