Hi Olaf,
After reading your post a few times, I must admit I still do not quite understand your question. What is a "handy"?
This may be way off base, but if you are looking for a way to control IR devices via RF, than the only "universal" method I know of is by using an IR-RF-IR repeater or extender for existing remotes, or buying a new remote with an RF-IR base (e.g. Home Producer 8).
See:
[Link: smarthome.com]