Ah, well... My apologies then. I always assumed these things were not, but there you go :D
That changes things a little, because if the original remote chip is used then the only reason why it would not work properly is if I crossed the wiring from the PIC to the remote chip and it was "pressing" the wrong buttons. So long as I do not do that a simple IR detector (I have one) will show the translator is transmitting IR signals for each digit which means no test STB required. Therefore I guess it would be a case of if anyone wants one then they BYO remote.
OK then I guess it is up to whether Bruce wants to do it or me. Given it is his project I'll have to give him first dibs on this - and I don't actually have the program that runs in the PIC chip anyway - so it is Bruce's call. He's been "green lighted" regarding his apprehensions about having to charge for the making of them (see other thread) so it is his call on what happens from here.