Working with IR remote protocols Decoding IR signals Remote controls encode commands in the spacing or timing of a 38KHz carrier pulse, [San Bergmans] has an explanation of the principals involved.

For today's how-to we spent some time rummaging around in our parts box to build a serial IR remote interface for our PC. We took a few pieces from various designs to come up our own, built ...

Adding a special sound-to-IR converter then turns those sounds back to IR and allows you to use your iPod as a remote control. As an added bonus, it works up to 100 feet.

Use infrared Most Android smartphones have infrared emitters built right in. The simplest way to control your home theater from your mobile device is to use infrared.