htpc fan here so I use a Firefly from Snapstream, a usb-uirt and a little program called girder. Total cost $120. With this I control computer(just about any program),tv,vcr,dvd,reciever, 2 cable boxes,and my ac for chuckles. Oh and from anywhere in my apartment...fun to pause a dvd from the kitchen when guests are over.

Not simple to set up though