IR emitters & receivers

I would like to homebreq my own external receivers for my s-linke for multi room I/R control of my HT stuff (in a closet with the s-linke). Is it OK to direct wire a receiver module (liteon LT1060) via CAT5 cable run (<100ft) or should a buffer be used. Also, I have read in the BBS that there are I/R problems with older versions of s-linke that may need upgrading. Is this true? If so, what version & how do query the s-linke for the version. Thanks for any input. My s-link is great!