title: How do I read the IR hex codes from an arbitrary remote control?
body: <p>I have scoured google and cannot find articles related to this exact subject.</p>
  
  <p>I have several remote controls I need to manually enter in the universal remote app on my phone. However, I cannot find these codes online no matter where I've looked.</p>
  
  <p>Isn't there an IR receiver device that I can point my remote at, press any button on the remote, and it will tell me the corresponding hex code? I don't understand IR technology very well, but it seems that something like this must exist, otherwise how on earth do projects like lirc get all of those codes?</p>
  
  <p>If possible, I would like to know the name of such device if it exists, or if not a general nudge in the direction of how to build one.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>