Using an (IR) remote control to navigate an AIR application

Problem

I'd like to write an AIR application to manage my local media collection from a pc connected to my TV. I already have an IR remote control that operates other applications like GBPVR and Hulu desktop. How do I capture/access the IR signal from the remote control and use it to navigate my AIR/Flex application?

Solution

Create an external socket server.

Detailed explanation