[Larry R]

First of all, you're right that all the TV remotes use the 38.5 KHz modulation. The IR board uses that special IR receiver that only recognizes pulses sent over that modulation.
Also, if the learn mode seems normal, i.e., each of the LEDs lights indicating that a particular remote key press associates with a particular LED, I also agree that the PIC program is probably intact.
The only thing that comes to mind is that the TV remotes that you are using may not be continuous. Some send out a single "frame" of data. Others are continuous meaning as long as you hold down the button, it continually sends out the code. You might not be able to see the LED light if it is a single frame remote.
Finally, I agree that it would have been nice to have a schematic and some troubleshooting capability for the IR board.
Cheers, Larry