QQ - is the USB port on the PC and the 232 port on the DirectTV receiver or does the receiver have the USB and the PC a 232 port?

The reason I ask is that once upon a time, Xantech had an IR to 232 converter. You could preload up to 32 serial strings (IIRC) which would be sent to the equipment in question upon receiving 1 of the 32 IR command functions.

As you are posting in the NG forum, I expect that you don't have a Pro (TSU9600 or similar) remote with a Serial Extender.

If you had this combination, you could use the 9600 to send serial commands out from the RFX9600 and then all you'd need would be either 1) a 232 null modem cable or straight connect or 2) a serial to USB adapter which you would plug in the USB side into the DirectTV receiver.