1 - Get an amplifier that has a "Night Mode" function. It has been a basic function on most AV-receivers in the past decade+, assuming you don't buy the most pedestrian model. It compresses the dynamic range of the sound, to avoid the loud parts waking up the neighbors while you can also hear the conversations. Of course here you are looking for an investment of between $350 and $inf. Buying secondhand can save big bucks.
2 - Use a PC for your video needs. Most video players support the same function (VLC, GOM player, Kodi... look for "dynamic range compression" and similar options). A 10 years old mid-tier machine will play everything including UHD, so this solution is fairly cheap. If you get a cheap IR-USB remote, you won't even have to mess with keyboard and mouse.
I would like to second this recommendation. I've put my work desk in the living room; the 43" screen doubles as a (non-smart!) TV; instead of futzing with remotes I have a wireless mouse, an on-screen keyboard, and a macOS/iOS shortcut to switch the display between 2x (couch mode) and 1.5x (desk mode), which could also take care of audio routing, DND, lights, etc.
Using a real mouse + virtual keyboard is so much faster than ANY remote I've ever used, and if you're not into clicking, you can type with a "real" wireless keyboard[0]. Another upside, is you get to watch things in the browser - with a proper ad blocker - instead of half a dozen confusing TV apps. Setting everything up takes a bit more effort than plugging a stick into an HDMI port, but it immediately starts paying off.
Depends on your usecase and preferences, I guess. I have a dedicated PC connected permanently to my TV and amp. During the day I use it listen to webradios, without turning on the TV. For this, I just press play on my remote, and it's on. When I leave, I just press stop. You get the idea.
In the evening, when I watch a movie, it's just my personal preference - I like to kind of disassociate from computers. A remote helps. Also, being able to change the volume blindly, without looking at the remote is something that other interfaces have yet to emulate.
Of course not saying that everyone should use it - if a mouse is better for you, go for it, what do I care :D But remotes definitely have a place with today's HTPCs also IMO.
Ive been using KDE Connect for years now, on many different devices and OS. Highly recommend. Basically a remote mouse and keyboard on your phone. The latency is very good too.
Personally I love to use my steam controller for my TV-PC setup. Unfortunately they stopped making them, but they are still fairly easy to get I believe. Works excellent for media browsing and playing, and the onboard keyboard works great with the dual thumb touchpads. The only real downside is having to have steam running in the background to have more than just the basic mouse function but that isn't a big deal.
> Using a real mouse + virtual keyboard is so much faster than ANY remote I've ever used, and if you're not into clicking, you can type with a "real" wireless keyboard[0]
I've had a good experience with Logitech K830. Illuminated keys, I've dropped it so many times in the 10 years I've owned it, even spilled coffee all over it, still works well.
> 1 - Get an amplifier that has a "Night Mode" function
Well, or get a compressor/limiter that you can jank into any signal chain, so you don't have to buy a whole new amplifier. You can find cheap compressors/limiters for like under $100 I'm sure.
2 - Use a PC for your video needs. Most video players support the same function (VLC, GOM player, Kodi... look for "dynamic range compression" and similar options). A 10 years old mid-tier machine will play everything including UHD, so this solution is fairly cheap. If you get a cheap IR-USB remote, you won't even have to mess with keyboard and mouse.