Universal remote control is a very handy and useful thing. There have appeared a lot of variations of this device recently. It is rumored that there is even a remote control for your sweetheart 
So far iPad doesn’t have such functions but this is an unsurpassed device as a remote control consolidating all remotes into one. ThinkFlood and iGi are two companies that can help you to control all your domestic appliances.
Price: free
Download link: iTunes
i-Got-Control IRB1 device by iGi plugs into your iPad and you get “the most powerful personal remote control ever devised.” With the aid of the the i-Got-Control device and the associated app from the App Store, you’ll be able to control practically any device anywhere. Just connect, select and control! IRB1 is available on iGi’s Amazon Storefront for $69.95. Here is an iGi’s demo video:
Price: free
Download link: iTunes
Thinkflood is one more company offering its product for a universal remote control creation. ThinkFlood’s RedEye mini is the smaller version of their RedEye system. You can use it with your iPad to control your devices receiving IR signals. The RedEye mini requires no batteries and plugs directly into the headphone jack. Just plug in the device, downloard the app and that’s that! It’s not available so far but you can pre-order it on Amazon for $49. The video for RedEye mini: