Abstract: An apparatus and method for use with a television and a telephone line. In response to reception of a ring signal carried on the telephone line, at least one stored remote control command (e.g., “mute”) is wirelessly transmitted to the television for effectuating remote control operations of the television in conjunction with the ring signal being carried on the telephone line. Preferably, the electrical energy of the ring signal is converted to appropriate DC voltage levels to power on component(s) of the apparatus where permitted. The at least one remote control command is preferably supplied by operation of a wireless remote control unit and stored in non-volatile memory for subsequent transmission.