Has anyone ever re-programed a TV remote with their computer?

I have this old Telemania brand universal remote that looks like a Phaser from Star Trek the Next Generation. It does not currently work with my HD TV, my Blu-Ray player, or my HD cable box. I know this is because none of these devices existed when the remote was new. I am wondering if any one out there has ever connected one of these to their computer and reprogrammed it for newer electronics? Or, barring that, if anyone has ever reprogrammed any universal remote with a computer?