A method and apparatus for providing control of a set-top box through IR blasting control by a system containing at least one computer is discussed. The system is coupled to a mass storage system. The system includes an IR control database that resides on the mass storage system. The IR control database contains at least one IR control entry and an IR control packet. The IR control packet is generated from a first IR control entry of the IR control database. The system controls a set-top box by serial transmission of the IR control packet.