External IR pickup on Yamaha RX-V2700

[Silverstoned]

There are two ports on the back for what the manual says are zones 2 and 3. Is there any way to use one of these ports for the main (zone 1) pickup? I want to locate the receiver in an adjacent room and place a small IR pickup at the base of my plasma. I'm hoping I don't need an "IR Blaster" to relay the signal to the main unit.

Thanks!