[stomachmonkey]

If I read that correctly you put the set top box in a cabinet and obviously the remote control does not work because the set top is hidden.

That's a simple fix.

Check the back of the uverse box for an IR receiver jack. Will look like a headphone jack. Plug in one of these.

Amazon.com: Infrared Receiver Extender Cable for HD DVR's & STB's- Check Compatibility: Electronics

If not you look at IR repeaters. Find one that is small and attach it under the cabinet.

http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generation-Remote-Control-Extender/dp/B000C1Z0HA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1445954337&sr=1-3&keywords=remote+control+repeater

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-109194-Wireless-Extender-328-Feet/dp/B0087S9CJ2/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1445954337&sr=1-9&keywords=remote+control+repeater