infrared remote help

i have a usb infrared reciever and i was wondering if there was a way to use other infrared remotes with it (isnt infrared universal?)

i was also wondering if there is a program that allows me to use other infrared remote controls with my computer cause i have a media player like windows media center and i want to use a remote but the specialized wmc remotes are so fu**ing expensive

 

Welcome to Major Geeks Speculant

The light used by most remotes may be the same Wavelength, but the data stream contained in that light tranmission varies from unit to unit. So without knowing what the data stream contains your chances of success are remote. You see this in your own house, the Infrared remote for one device will not control another unless it has that devices code, hence the "Universal Remotes" that you have to program for each device. Hope that Helps

 

so if i had a universial remote and somehow managed to find a ir remote program i could use a regular ir remote with my computer...

im still looking for a ir remote program if any1 knows of one