>>>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. :>)


from what i could gather there, the ordinary television or vcr remote
control operates on the Media Access Control protocol layer, and
serial communication is not emulated until you get up to the IrCOMM
protocol layer. is that true ?

in other words, your typical remote control does not emit signals
that represent ascii characters ?? will search a little on remote controls.
(of course consumer electronics manufacturers are not forthcoming
with details about their device control methods).