Hi,
The IR should pulsate at some specified frequency so that the tsop can detect.
http://www.engineersgarage.com/electronic-circuits/remote-control-for-home-appliances
http://www.engineersgarage.com/tsop-1738/tags/tsop-1738
http://www.engineersgarage.com/electronic-circuits/relay-activation-using-tsop-1738