DAC or Preamp controlled by DirectTV remote

Thanks again to all & an update. After much study, have settled on a Marantz AV7005 at least temporarily as a financial alternative so to speak. Ideally, a higher end PrePro such as NAD M15HD or Classe etc with 4 or more HDMI ports would be my choice but the $$ just isn't there it seems. I will try operating the Marantz with the Direct TV remote but might just try the Harmony as all have suggested plus use the TV as a monitor only. Have been lax in keeping up with the audio world for many years but this episode has rekindled a 50 year affair with the field.
It's gonna cost me I think. I'll post later on results.

Thanks for the responses. I am trying to keep with the DTV remote for the wifes (and my) ease of use. We have tv's in 3 rooms With Direct TV remotes that we have been using for years so changing anything in the dark is easy. Also have tried the Dijit Ipad app/device that seems to work OK but It seemed simplest to take the 3 HDMI cables from each unit and go directly to the TV then take the optical out from the TV to a new DAC that could be programmed to it. That way, switching between inputs on the TV via the DTV remote also switches the audio out at the TV at presumably equal levels. I know that this can all be switched through a Surround receiver but have no need for surround. Have written to Bel Canto and NAD about the DAC 2.5 and the NAD M15. Both can be used as preamps I'm told but I worry about the output levels of these being enough to drive the amp to a high volume level.
Any other suggestions welcome. I'll let you all know what happens.
JL

OK... Leaving out the remote control obsession, my main goal now is making sure what I buy will work in my system.
Yes, Goldprintaudio, I've narrowed down my choices to either Bel Canto DAC or the NAD M15 or NAD M51 HD. The Bel Canto seems best but the NAD M15 has pass thru HDMI to take the sound signal out of (6 of them) compared to relying on the Panasonics optical out to feed the Bel Canto DAC or NAD M51. I've talked to Panasonic about the signal generated optically and it can be Dolby or PCM (??) and am concerned about decoding abilities of both units. Also think I don't want or need the extra complexity of the surround circuits in the M15.
So.. the bottom line question now is will 3 HDMI signals going to the Plasma TV, and being switched in the TV, generate a compatible optical output to a Bel Canto or NAD 2 channel DAC. And, is the signal generated by these DAC's strong enough to generate higher volume levels as they are not ""full blown" preamps. (or are they??)
Again.Thanks for any ideas/suggestions. I've been messing with this for years and don't want to put another "brick" in my pile of processors in the closet which now includes EAD, B&K, Sunfire & ACT3.