$50 gets you an infrared add-on device that turns your iPhone into the Mother of all remote control devices. From L5 Technology:
The L5 remote is a tiny accessory and app that gives you all the power and none of the complexity. It works without WiFi, external power, or batteries. Take it anywhere you want. Use it to control your TV, cable box, DVD, DVR, and most devices that come with an IR remote.
The device plugs into the bottom of your iPhone or iPod touch and uses a free application from the iTunes Store. How does it work?
Design your first custom remote by dragging and dropping any buttons you want, then ‘assign’ a signal to each by pressing the corresponding button on your old remote while pointing it at your new L5 Remote. The L5 Remote intelligently analyzes the signal and stores it in your iPhone or iPod Touch. You can program all your remotes in just minutes.
The L5 Remote works like any good infrared remote control device, but the software controls are on the iPhone’s screen. $50. That’s about $30 more than a comparable stand alone universal infrared remote control from Radio Shack or Best Buy (Best Buy has one model for $150).
Sizzle with a price tag.