Arduino can receive IR signal using IRremote library but it  can't directly control VLC but python can, arduino can talk to python from serial and from there you have access to every python library including libVLC or python_vlc. 

if you need more information about IRremote libary visit http://www.righto.com/2009/08/multi-protocol-infrared-remote-library.html

Note: The code below is linux friendly but can easily be hacked for windows and mac.