I'm planning on buying a Linear actuator to move my entertainment system's shelves up and down. I would like to be able to control the motor through IR. I have an IR receiver already but I'm wondering if what I'm asking for is even possible. Here's the link to the motor I'm planning on buying:

http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_info.php?cPath=76&products_id=9

If you think it's possible, I'm very handy and would like to give it a shot.
Thanks in advance

If it just requires voltage, it is easier than a stepper motor, I have to go and don't have time to check to se if it has built in limit switches, if it doesn't you will need to add them, and up and a down.
I have used whisperglides and they are for raising and lowering Flatscreens.
They also have a small IR remote for raising and lowering.

Googled whisperglide and couldn't find it, will get back later.

Sorry, the Name is Whisper Ride:
Wood Technology: Whisper-Ride Plasma and LCD TV Lifts (http://www.woodtechnology.com/TV-Lifts.htm)

Went back to your link and found the limits are NOT adjustable. You either have to work with the stroke, or use leverage to get your range of travel.

The stroke length of 12" is exactly what I was planning on using. The that's not the problem. And as far as the power I can just use an adapter for the motor. Would I need power for the IR also? Can I just buy the IR Receiver from that company?

If the Company has everything you need and is not too expensive, I would go that route.
Wood Technology: Whisper-Ride Plasma and LCD TV Lifts (http://www.woodtechnology.com/TV-Lifts.htm) may sell the transmitter/receiver separately and also has a manual switch that pluggs into the unit, comes with it. You may need to use a relay to handle higher current, or to change motor control connections(positive switched/negative switched/reverse polarity).
Linear makes nice 2 channel receivers/transmitters, likely be RF, Not IR, that's not a bad thing.
Back to check what yours requires.

Just seen that it uses polarity reversal for direction, looks loke you need 2 relays either way, I tried to find a dual coil, doublepole relay, so you could do this with 1 relay?
Look through here, maybe not for this but future things, good stuff:
Radio Control - Linear Delta3, MegaCode, MultiCode, MVP, Allstar (http://www.linearcorp.com/radio_control.php)
Look at the bottom of the right at the dual relay socket:
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Volt-Remote-Control-Kit/dp/B000ZRXJY2

The actuator has a RF controller available. The reason I'm looking for IR is that my remote control is IR, a Logitech Harmony 720. I can program almost anything with it and would for it to be able to control my shelf system. Now if it will be too difficult or expensive to have this system completely automated then I will probably go with the rocker switch. So far it doesn't look like what I'm looking for is available. Thanks for all your help Stratmando.

I was thinking the reason for the IR was to be used with the 1 remote.
Does the Remote do Macros?
It's possible, I just need to know the IR Receiver you are using. Xantech?
Then I can draw up a circuit for you.

Here's what you need, now you don't even need the relays, the contacts handles 5 amps, Your actuator requires 500ma(1/2 amp), now just wire the contacts like the trim circuit in one of my last post. You will also need the remote programmer:
Xantech.com (http://www.xantech.com/Controls/ControllersSwitches/ControllersSwitchers/CC12/)
Here is the remote needed for Programming, Worth purchasing if you plan on other IR control, may not be worth it for 1 project, it is nice:
http://www.xantech.com/Controls/KeypadsRemotes/Remotes/RC68X/
I have this 6 channel version:
http://www.xantech.com/Controls/ControllersSwitches/ControllersSwitchers/CC62/
You could have an IR Watch and use it to Arm/Disarm, activate lights, camera, transmitter, remote Start all by aiming your watch at any IR target mounted in your vechicle, can have several so it will work anywhere around your vehicle, Can even use your watch to change channels and volume on your car stereo if it has IR capabilities. It is limitless what you can do with these.

Just looked back and saw the "Trim motor control", did not post, Here it is:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Troubleshooting_Testing_and_Bypassing_SPDT_Power_/
Both use polarity reversing, they wire the same.

Xantech.com (http://www.xantech.com/Controls/ControllersSwitches/ControllersSwitchers/CC12/)
To connect motor and power to the above IR relays, The motor connects to the common of both relays, then 1 relay gets a positive to the NC of relay 1, and the other relay gets a negative to relay 2's NC terminal.
Then relay 1 gets a negative to NO terminal, and relay 2 gets a positive to it's NO terminal.