OK, T8 with latest firmware
VIP remote with DroidBOX
Using the general power button on the VIP, shutdown doesn't complete
VIP remote button learning...
I lined up the original infrared remote control for the T8 (standard buttons, no QWERTY keyboard or Air Mouse/Trackpad) and the VIP so they were facing each other.
Held down the VIP remote's "TV" button until the flashing LED on the VIP slowed down.
Next I pressed the T8's power button on the infrared remote control. Think I had to press it twice before it was noticed.
Now I press one of the buttons at the very bottom of the VIP, in this case the light green button
Left both remotes alone for a few moments, then picked up the VIP remote and pointed it at the T8 (as this is an InfraRed remote control code, so line of sight required)
Pressed the green button, and the T8 turned off properly. Pressed the green button again and the T8 turned on.
I noticed that I couldn't then assign the SAME IR code to a different coloured button. I then repeated the learning process from above to test the light grey button at the bottom of the VIP. I set it to be the Volume Up infrared code from the original remote, and this too worked OK.
Can you try the steps above please, and let me know where it differs. If you find the IR code isn't being accepted, temporarily try a different button from the IR remote. If that second function is learned correctly, it seems the Power button IR code has already been assigned to one of the programmable shortcut buttons on your VIP, it would be worth pressing them all at the T8 (again remembering line of sight/making sure the IR sensor on the front of the T8 isn't blocked).