We are all makers
The USB Infrared Toy, available in the Maker Shed, is an assembled, open source, USB infrared remote control receiver/transmitter designed by DangerousPrototypes. Use it as a remote control with your computer, to view infrared signals on a logic analyzer, to capture and clone infrared signals, and to play IR codes. Alternate firmware also allows it to be used as a TV-B-Gone. Consider it a real universal remote. (Note: Does not include 5 pin programming header.)