Maybe I have this resolved, but my confidence is not high.

I had to install CEC blockers on Cable and DVD inputs of the Sony TV. It is curious that Samsung IR power commands would turn-on the Sony TV, but not turn-off the Sony. Sony power commands had no effect on the Samsung TV.

Last week as I was testing, I had to allow a “rest” period for the Sony TV before the Samsung power command would turn-on the Sony. At the end of that session the Sony was not responding to Samsung power commands, suggesting that I may have fixed things, but about 36 hours later we were back to square one. During today’s testing, we rarely saw the “Rewards” screen saver.

While I don’t have much in the way of proof, I suspect that the Sony TV is responsible for the mess.