Abstract: An apparatus is provided which gives feedback to a user of a remote control device, such as that for a television, to indicate when excessive use of the remote control (channel surfing) is occurring. The device detects transmission from a remote control device and counts the transmissions during an predetermined time period. When a predetermined maximum number of commands from the remote control device is received, an indication of such is provided to the viewer. This indication may take the form of a visual indication such as flashing a message, an auditory alarm, disabling of the remote control device by jamming the inferred signal, or automatically controlling operation of the remote control device, which may include turning off the device. Programming of the apparatus through use of the remote control to accomplish advanced features is also provided.