That last issue might be overcome by an RF remote with an IR blaster at the controlling device might do the trick if your TV service hase the benefit of an onscreen programming guide. If not, it could still work but you would be navigating blind and likely limited in practicallity to volume and the old fashioned [channel up] or [channel down] tuning.
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I'm Riffing. People usually stop me when I'm riffing. Or carry on without me. That's also an option.