Well for my setup when I turn on my blu-ray player it will also turn on my TV. Granted both are Sony so that may be a built in compatibility between Sony devices. How how would it send the signal if it's not HDMI? So with my dads setup it's HDMI from the ATV to the LG TV and optical digital from the TV to the Fluance AB40 sound base.
That's one thing that I fought with: Who turns what on, and more importantly: What needed to be turned on, and couldn't be through 'supported' ways (HDMI, etc).
I solved the issue by turning off the HDMI erotica, and using a multi-function remote.
I hit a 'programmed button', and those things ONLY turn on. Their system is nearly perfect as it uses a wireless signal to talk to the 'hub', and the hub has infrared built into the top, and has two jacks in the back for satellite infrared messaging 'mini-Blaster' IR repeater pods (one is included).
It works through walls even.
Some devices (AT&T U-Verse DVR's) occasionally trip out on their own thing, but hitting the button again usually brings it back into the fold.
(Apparently something tweaked the firmware of my Samsung TV because it pops up a message that I need to hook my (can't remember the exact verbiage) 'audio device' to an '
ARC Port'. Apparently it's some new 'bring them all together' type of technology to 'make things easier', thus more glitchy and challenging.)
Multi-function remotes seem to be the best way to go IMO. The New New Apple Remote is not a multi-function remote AFAIK, meaning your father has to depend on 'auto-magic' things to happen consistently, which depending on his mana points can lead to disappointment.
I'd recommend the multi-function remote route. I have several of the
Logitech Harmony Companion zappers. They also have an '
Elite' model, with a screen that changes for each function, which might be confusing for him.
Good luck...