with IR, you must have a clear line of site. RF doesn't require that you have a clear line of site. So if you have RF you can put it in the closet and still control it. If you have IR it has to be somewhere where you can point the controller directly at the unit.
Have you already purchased the TV and sound system? In my opinion and the opinions of 99.9% of the members of this forum, the Bose system is a very expensive product that won't necessarily get you what you paid for. For $2000 you could easily get a more functional and better sounding system. Bose sytems don't give you the option of upgrading. For example it only has one toslink digital input. So there is only one other digital source you can connect to the system. And with the components you have listed I don't even think that you can connect each component to the system unless you plan to use your tv as a switchbox.
If you would like recommendations for a more valuable sound system and DVD player you can start another thread on the topic and I am sure that you will get all the info you need to get started with a much more satisfactory system that will serve you much better than the Lifestyles system can. Know that Bose isn't the only speaker manufacturer that makes small discrete speakers that you can easily hide.
