Hi,
I am also developing similar project, but application is different then yours.

I made a simple IR receiver fOr checking incomming IR codes, number of bits and duration of each bit.

It is an 89C2051 based circuit. It receives the data, start/stop timer when bit is receiving. Upon completion of bit received the timer data has been sent to PC via serial port, and I can see the incomming bits on PC terminal.

I think you can make it yourself.

Rauf / Microlink