For the hdmi I use a gigabyte ws100. Both units work off usb power so are only on when is use. Slight mosquitoing but this is intermittant and only noticeable on gaming really.
I use a separate ir blaster, in fact it's a cheap video sender from maplin but I only use the ir part, with a spare vu plus remote from ebay.
Setup runs all good, there are devices out there that have a built in ir sender. But for next room or direct upstairs sending (maybe more if not brick walls like mine), whdi or wireless hdmi works a treat! Of course always check any reviews before purchasing gear, standard!