A horrible exchange with Sanyo Tech Support

So, I have a no-longer-produced flatscreen Sanyo TV and the remote for the thing has long died and been burried. I decided to try to use it with a DVD player yesterday after rearranging my livingroom. The TV is above my fireplace, and so far it's been an interesting peice of art rather than a working viewing device.

After going to program new channels into the thing, I realize that all my program channel options are red and I cannot access those features. So, I look up the FAQ's on their website, and after going through multiple sales directs to their do-it-all remotes, I contact tech support via email, and here is our email exchange.

ME: "I have searched through your FAQ's ( my TV model is a Sanyo
Flatscreen DS279300) and so far I haven't found the answer to my
question.

The controller for our TV no longer works, and I would like to be
able to set the channels via the TV Menu controls only- how do I
reset the channels via the TV without the remote?

Thanks! -Jyn"
TECH GUY:" You can call 1-800-877-5032 and order a remote for the tv."
ME: "I'm sure, but you still didn't answer my question. Can I fix my channels without your specified controller? I have a universal controller that already works fine with the TV and all my other equipment... I dont want to buy another controller. Thank you.
-Jyn
www.jynmeyer.com"
Tech guy: "You can try to use the buttons on the front of the tv. "
ME:"Obviousely, but the channels options, etc are all red and it skips those options when I scroll through the menu items.
-Jyn
www.jynmeyer.com"
Tech Guy: "If you are in a video mode it will not allow you to get into certain topics in the menu screen."

Me: "Sooo. would you say that my BEST form of action is to change the channel and try the menu options from there?
-Jyn
www.jynmeyer.com"

It's like- DUDE tell me what the heck I have to do... I dont need someone to point out little minute bits of information. Tell me, "Make sure you are not in video mode, and then use the menu option. If this does not workon your POS TV, then you might have to get our specialized $1000 do it all microwave/tonailclipper/vaccum cleaner/carwash remote controller..."

Even then, my TV has only 1 channel right now which is'video1', and not only do I have no other channels available to switch to so that I can change the channel and reset the menu options.

The next response from this guy will probably be that I have no other options other than to buy their specialized remote.