Simple solution is an intelligent remote like Logitech's Harmony line. Very happy about my Harmony One...
Wiki on remote control setup: http://wiki.JRiver.com/index.php/Media_Center_Remote_InstructionsYou can setup remote control for amplifier power, volume, etc in MC. Tools > Options > Remote control. Click Next on the wizard. On the "Selection" page, select the functions you want to setup (Amplifier Volume up etc.). Follow the wizard instructions.The tricky part is to select buttons on the MCE remote control to be used for the functions you want. You can pick buttons that you do not use for other things.