Like I said eariler, Smartlinc and JDS products have "simple" IR controllers that will start a series of IR commands. As far as money, they are probally less than you think! Why would you want to use an appliance module when the camera is ment to stay on full time and the VCR has a IR power command? As far as a IR interface for your computer, Smartlinc makes one of those also. It's probally gonna be your best bet!

Chris