What do I need?

[Spod]

I have an iPhone and want to be able to control some mains plug in lights and the V+ box and amp etc from my arm chair.

I'm guessing the lights by X10 using maybe a CM15?
But can I control IR through this as well?
I'd prefer not to have my PC on 24/7.

[m4rky_m4rk]

For IR control you will need a IRRF7243. I use this with my Harmony. I am not sure where you can get the IR codes for it. Maybe www.RemoteCentral.com

The CM15 doesn't need to be connected to the PC all the time. Only when its being configured is a PC used, after that it just plugs in the mains.

If you just want simple on/off control for your lights then you do not need the CM15 (CM11 is a cheaper version)

If you plan on expanding the x10 beyond simple on/off then the CM15 is useful. It has timers, RF send/receive, and conditional macros.