Open the case and verify the chip model printed on the IC. If you see an ATmega chip, you are likely in the clear to proceed with popular third-party alternatives. Popular Firmware Options
: Known for its technical stability and comprehensive 100+ page documentation. Common versions include "M" Firmware (Markus Reschke) lcr t7 firmware
: Many firmware versions include a feature to decode infrared waveforms, specifically identifying NEC protocol codes. Open the case and verify the chip model printed on the IC