It's certainly off the beaten track, and they're definitely outnumbered by all the Android boxes, but they're not hard to find preconfigured either. I'm just kind of biased since I prefer to build stuff myself on principle.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176976068094

Idk if I'd call a $100 set top box (buy once cry once) "inaccessible". Wouldn't be my first choice, and I also wouldn't be surprised if things like this come bundled with spyware/bloatware (just one of many reasons to prefer self-build IMO).

HDMI CEC seems pretty standard on most modern-ish mini PCs as well. They'll run you 2 or 3x the price of the one in the link, but the market's not short on used - I'm still finding somewhat decent deals despite the hysteria around prices.