I am using the Microsoft MCE remote which comes with 2 IR blasters. The remote works great and is very responsive as well - its much better than the standard hauppauge remote i used to use.
It has great support in MP especially when used with and-81s IR Server suite plugin. With this plugin you have great blasting capabilities as well.
The support thread for IR Server suite is here (It has to be said and-81 provides awsome support for his plugin)
IR Server Suite - Version 1.0.4.1
If you want to control a lot of devices with the same remote then a programmable remote would probably be your best bet such as the harmony 525 sugested. However the harmony is about twice the price I paid for my MS remote and it doesnt have a reciever so if ur PC hasnt already got one built in you will have to budget for this too.
I think the USB-UIRT reciever/blaster the previous poster is using costs $50 + $20 for international shipping. So the total outlay is then approx 3-4 times what I paid for my MCE remote with reciever (assuming ive done my conversion from dollars to pounds correctly
).
However if you are interested in the USB-UIRT the web site is here
USB-UIRT Web Site
bolders