I have about 6-7 remotes that I use regularly, including 2 which can be programmed to operate almost any common electronic device. I *think* I could note the make of a TV in a bar, sneak off in a corner and set it to that model, and then, if I was careful, (these can be hard to hide easily), do any of the TV functions, including gradually reducing the volume....the real problem is, all the owner would have to do is put a piece of tape over the infra-red eye on the TV and do HIS setting by hand.