another question regarding built in ports

[newbie guest]

Hi,

Sorry if you guys have answered this question a million times , here goes:
Can I use my laptop infrared port to control external devices(cable box etc.), proximity isn't a problem as primarily my laptop can be sitting next to whatever i want to control,as long as its on the net...

If so, what software will i need ?
If not , how can i do it??

Thanks guys..

Richie

[jrhees]

I believe a few people in the past have made attempts at uding the PC's IrDA port to control consumer IR, but don't know what level of success they have achieved. You'll want to do some searching. In general, the IrDA port is not designed to do this (talk consumer IR protocols).

-Jon