When the TV ads start the sound volume is raised. Until the TV channels figure out that is a bad idea I have a suggestion.

Connect a box to the HDMI cable and recognise when commercials a are on; typically the TV channel’s logo is gone.

Now cut the sound. Either by cutting the sound in the cable or by sending remote control signals.

The connected box can be exchanged for a camera.

Odds are you are holding both a box and a camera in your hand right now; a cellular phone.

Point the camera at the TV and let a an app recognise the commercial. The phone talks to a remote control.

A big remote is easier to find than a small one.

Big remote

It doesn’t fit in the hand but it is easy to find.