Simple is good.
Low-tech solutions are awesome!
I like the idea of just 5(3) buttons:
POWER
VOLUME UP/DOWN
CHANNEL UP/DOWN
The volume and channels are limited to what the user wants (only the channels the person likes can be selected)
If the user is hard of hearing, the volume should probably have only a couple available levels:
Earsplitting, less earsplitting, normal(to prevent those who are not hard of hearing from becoming so), and mute.
Voice recognition seems a bit overkill.
Most people eho are diabled and hard of hearing are not familiar with voice-activation.
Plus, there are a lot of problems with voice control.
Imagine this scenario:
What person says: "I turn on the TV every day and watch CP24."
What the remote hears: "Turn on the TV."
AI ain't as intelligent as people think.
Sometimes, it is really smart; other times, it is SO stupid!