The VRC-1100 uses the Ortek MCE IR protocol, which transmits 3 types of frames -- the first frame, the last frame, and all frames in between.  Generally, learning such a signal will yield so-so results, but it may work for you.  I don't know of any cheap universals which have this protocol built in, but Harmony does have the VRC-1100 in its database, and it knows how to send all three states.

I'm not sure iif a used Harmony can be logged onto their servers, but probably so.

Or, you could get a $20 JP1 cable and program e.g. a Comcast remote to send the VRC-100, Roku, and pretty much any other signals.  If you're really frugal and will wait for delivery from Taiwan/China, you can get a cable for less than $10.  A Comcast remote can be bought new and shipped on eBay for $6.