There is a remote control receiver meant for  computer control, called IRMAN.
It uses a PIC to receive the signal, and sends a number of bytes which are
generally unique to that button on that remote.  It does not use any specific
brand or type of remote or encoding, it works with all remotes at or about 40kHz
modulated IR.

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Sector/3863/infrared.html

I hope this helps!

-Adam

varney wrote:
>
> IR controller app and discussions have surfaced on the PIC List before.
> However I have an application whereas I would like to use a PIC (unknown
> part number as of yet) to learn IR commands from other remotes and recall
> them later.
>
> Example: from the TV remote I would like to read and store, the channel,
> volume and power signal. From the VCR I would like to store the power, play,
> and pause signals, from the stereo the power, volume, play and stop signals.
>
> I would like to store and recall about 20 or so commands from different
> remotes.
>
> Can I do a sample at a very high pulse count and store this info in EE. Then
> output the same pulse count when a button is pressed.
>
> I have looked at universal learning remotes, this is not what I want.
>
> any ideas please?
>
> Gordon Varney