I believe there is a beta firmware that allows the Dune players to be controlled via IP.
For example, the 'PLAY' function would be dune_ip_address/cgi-bin/do?cmd=ir_code&ir_code=B748BF00

The HTTP server is accessed via HTTP port 80. Would it be possible for somebody like me with no programming skills to make this work? 

Thanks in advance.

There is at my web site (www.the-gordons.net) a complete "Theater system" including all the code for the Dune player over IP. It is listed as the "Pronto Theater application" under the downloads link at the bottom of the main page. It was written to be used as an example and a learning tool. You are welcome to down load it. The Dune player is in a library module. along with the needed TCPIP module and one for the Vudu Player. Others have stripped out the necessary modules and integrated them into their own systems. It is well documented as to how it works

Thanks Barry.
I will have a look.

IMO, I think you may want to read docs for and try the examples in the Dev Guide for doing asynchronous socket connections. Barry's examples will be great but it is good to have an understanding of what has been coded.

Also, note that when you send IR via http you will not be able to specify press and hold repeat like functionality.

I don't think this will be an issue because the only things where this would come into play are on things like next chapter and the IIRC, Dune does not support repeated chapter changes without first navigating to the next/prev chapter.

My buddy Lyndel's point is well taken and good advice (as usual)

Barry, great work. Tried to have a look at what you provide but the login doesn't seem to work for me no matter what browser i us; Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Is there any other way i can get this information ?

What are you trying to log in to, the Theater application is not in a restricted area, but the Dune IP firmware is. You can get the firmware over at MPC. If not I will set you up with a login to the Restricted dune area. The MPC forum has a newer version of the firmware.

Dune release an iPhone application (Information comming from thier facebook page)

Available for free
[Link: itunes.apple.com]

So we can expect a public release of IP controled firmware soon.