Intel NUC MCE Remote with Internal IR

I attempted to install an internal IR on the Intel NUC and it was working fine but as soon as I closed the lid, the remote stopped working which means a direct sight for the internal IR is required. Sad to know. I was hoping the IR is strong enough to do the job hidden inside. I don't want to drill onto the nuc.

Reverting back to the PS3 bluetooth remote with the 1 minute timeout for hibernation. The resync takes about a second to bring it back up.