#2
I also have an videomate card (s-350) i have not found any plugins
that would work with the ir reciever (if i had the knowledge i would write it)

But i use winlirc (as infact earlier i built my own remote controlled power on function) i think if you search for "wake on lirc" you will find an german site
with an gentleman named mark he programmed an "pic" for me and i modyfied it to fit my needs,,,

The hardware needed is as followed:

TSOP1738 Ir reciever and an bunch of components and an
dsub9 male plug

like this
Image
Then you can learn the ir commands in girder and let the remote send
the command and girder reacts and forwards the command to progdvb...

Send me an pm if you want to get some help...

#3
First you need an working ir reciever like the "winlirc" remote reciever:

Second:

Girder with programmed "buttons / actions" like start/stop recording i choose functionkey 8 (F8) and let girder learn that event so when girder recieves the
command it knows what to do in my case it sends the F8 from the keyboard
Image
And then i did change the default command from "R" to "F8" otherwise i i was
using the keyboard to the htpc to surf the web or else the risk of hitting "R" would be greater than "F8"
Image
I dont think there is anything more to explain...