http://pyrocam.com has a nice mashup of a few technologies about getting an InfraRed controller working over the internet, like with a cellphone from the last 10 years (infinite range home theatre control 🙂 )

An old laptop, WinLirc, and small controller board and a some custom software (soon to be made available I hope)

Feature: Worldwide control over any IR capable device   ( :mrgreen:)
Cost: < $5 USD  ( :mrgreen:)
Parts : old laptop or PC   (capable of running XP) ( :mrgreen:)

check it out here

pretty choice