What I am wanting is to control my VCR and cable set top box via my PC's IR port.

Specifically, I want to read the TV guide at the beginning of the month and program all the channel changes and VCR commands to record where necesary and then be able to forget about it.

The thought of trying to write some software from scratch seems too hard. In an ideal world I would find some VB code to get me started but any sugegstion for an approach would be very useful.

If not using the computer, my other option would be to figure out which programmable remote would facilitate this. Any thoughts very welcome!

Thanks.

Well, the main problem is that computer IR ports are not exactly compatible with the IR standard used by your TV or VCR. Computers are designed for high-speed, short-distance travel. Remotes are designed for low-speed, long-distance. It's like asking an AM radio to pick up FM signals. They're all still radio waves, they're just not compatible. :-) Generally the only way to get a reliable system is to buy a separate IR emitter designed for the purpose.

We control our IR devices at home using a linux box running lirc. The Windows equivalent can be found at:

http://winlirc.sourceforge.net/

N.B. Will require some basic electronics.

--
Phil

This product might give you a start, they also have a "developer version":

[Link: conceptuk.clara.net]

Thanks. Both of those suggestions look very good including the linux version of lirc. I'm sure I can come up with something to do what I want from that info. I'll have to ponder it all in detail.

Thanks.
Darren