you can use Tsop 1738 IR receiver . which can be easily interfaced to any micro controller.

http://www.micropik.com/PDF/tsop17xx.pdf

soldering can be done done easily has it has only three terminals 1 for output and two pins for vs and gnd. 

Here's an arduino-based IR controller

http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Infrared-Remote-tutorial/

OR

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Easiest-Way-to-Use-Any-IR-Remote-with-Ardiuno/