IR remote and sensor

Several of the commonly available IR remote kits come with a multi-key remote, a sensor, and another LED which is sometimes mounted to a small circuit board or may be a separate component. Is this just an additional IR sender in case you don't want to use the hand-held pad?

Would be useful if you provide a link to an example.

Here's a link to one example. Remote keypad (which would be an emitter), in this case a receiver on the circuit board, and a separate LED.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IR-Receiver-Module-Wireless-DIY-Kit-for-Arduino-Infrared-Remote-Control-Module-/182424655131?epid=1461375051&hash=item2a795b551b:g:5MIAAOSw~OdVb7ir

That looks like a spare ir led for transmission. It is not listed in the items being sold, so you may not actually get it.