>>He is trying to capture IR data from a remote control by using his IR port.
>
>
>do you know for a fact, that remote controls emit pulse trains that represent
>valid ascii characters ? i wouldn't bet my left arrow button on it.
>
>i've been intending to hook my oscilloscope or logic analyzer up to an IR detector and see exactly what is being transmitted by the remote control,
>but haven't gotten around to it yet.

http://www.irda.org/standards/standards.asp
http://www.irda.org/use/index.asp

No oscope needed. :>)