...using the controls. It would be based on a least energy basis: that person closest to the controls would have to operate them, often not upon that person's choice, but upon the concensus of the group. Which would usually be presented by shouting varied opinions upon control settings. Naturally this results in a least energy seating arrangement with the most desirable seats being the furthest from the control (there is a comfort variable as well). In large groups or families, the worst position would be on the floor in front of the device. The cat sleeping on top of the device is excluded, of course, and an additional chore for the closest person is to move the cat's tail when it is draping over the screen.

Ah, memories.