jason, California's a big state and you're probably going to need some local help, and it probably won't be free.
You know it has a remote. Use that and you have control for free. Or since "it has a remote" but you don't have one, buy one on ebay.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything. "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw