So, as others have had similar issues, I tried the 'standard' paring mode with the remote, and the volume does control the volume up and down, along with changing the TV to the media inputs, or cable input connection screens, depending on whether VOL UP or VOL DN is pressed.  Reset the box and tried several times - same operation each time.

The latest iteration I have stopped at is this; I entered manually the mfg and model number, and the volume works with no extra operations - YAY.  However, I cannot turn the TV off.  The off button works as the HOME key, and returns the TV to the HOME TV menu screen - not power off.  AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!

What to do?  I need to get this resolved - it is a joke that in this day and age with all this tech something as simple as this is the farthest from simple.  If anyone has suggestions, or ideas, or tips or tricks...please, by all means.  I would appreciate the support, and resolution!

Interesting side note - the Hisense TV remote can control some of the functions for the DirecTV box, too...for whatever THAT may be worth...