I have designed IR receivers into commercial equipment of several products. My experience with Sharp brand IR receivers is that they are crap. Everlight brand are even worse. Take a look instead at this brand of device.

http://www.vishay.com/docs/82030/82030.pdf

Secondly note that you need to be aware that there are big differences in performance of IR receivers based upon the IR carrier frequency. Make sure the carrier frequency of the transmitter matches that of the receiver. A 36 KHz receiver will work way way better with a 36 KHz transmitter than a 40 KHz transmitter.

Also be aware that the best quality IR receiver systems need to be matched to the type of modulation system used the transmitter.....IE PCM, R/C, PPM, etc. See http://www.vishay.com/ir-receiver-modules/

Michael Karas