programming an universal remote control

I have a remote control RM200 and I wa开发者_开发技巧nt to program it so I can detect key presses and send them to applications.

Now, which API can I use in Windows?

HID usb API? IRDA API?

I'm confused.

My remote is an IRDA remote but sometime I read that I can program this device with HID USB API????

AFAIK you cannot use the IRDA interface to receive infrared remote control sinals, because IRDA is a special protocol and the interface cannot be "abused" to receive other signals.

To receive your remote control's infrared signals you will need an extra device. Infrared receivers for your serial port are quite easy to build.

A good source for information and software is: http://www.lirc.org/

The windows port of lirc is called WinLIRC an can be found here: http://winlirc.sourceforge.net/overview.html