A remote control system for adjusting a volume level of a television is provided. The remote control system includes a handheld remote control device having a partial mute switch, a wireless signal transmitter, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is operably coupled to the partial mute switch and to the wireless signal transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to induce the wireless signal transmitter to transmit a first wireless signal having an engage partial mute command to the television when the partial mute switch is depressed at a first time. The television is configured to receive the first wireless signal and to adjust the volume level of the television to a volume level in a range of 10-90% of a current volume level of the television in response to the engage partial mute command in the first wireless signal.