Microprocessors in TV sets

[Electronic M]

Early electronic tuners usually did not need microprocessors. They used fairly simple digital logic if any. I'm also fairly certain some of the first OSDs did not use micro processors and could get away with simple custom logic.
In the early to late 70's sets were transitioning form tube to transistor to IC based designs and whatever was most economical went in. Micro processors would have made sets MUCH more expensive then. Some where on ARF's television forums years back someone had a late 70's Asian brand set which had mechanical tuners, tube sweep circuits, an ultrasonic remote, and an OSD from some custom chip the manufacturer had made.

PS: TV remotes have been popular and in use since the mid 50's (Zenith came out with their Space Command system in 1955 IIRC), they just became more universal in the late 70's due to manufacturers making them standard in most models.