Nintendo launches TV Guide Channel in Japan, enables Wiimote to control TV {Engadget HD}

Mar 4th 2008 4:00PM "owners can use their Wii controller (via the sensor bar) to dictate volume, switch channels and flip back and forth between their shows and the TV Guide Channel"

The Wii sensor bar is always placed facing the user. Assuming the sensor bar can be programmed to emit IR code to control the TV, the IR signal will have to bounce off wall to do it.