Abstract: A simplified television remote control device with limited control features for on/off, channel selection, and volume. Volume and channel control are provided as relatively large luminescent knobs which can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise. The housing is tapered so that its pointing direction can be determined by feel. The device self-learns the limited control features from an old remote control device for the television by placing the old device nose-to-nose with the simplified device and pressing a specific sequence of controls on the old device. A photo diode senses the infrared command signals from the old device and associates those commands with the control features of the simplified device.