We tried! Until I replace my TCL w/Roku (with something else), below is the best work around that has saved my sanity. Re-posting it here so others can find it without digging too deep. From user Varlese:
Pause (or not) whatever it is I'm watching.
Hit the star button on remote.
Scroll and select Picture Off
It will turn off the display and ask you to hit OK to turn it back on
You have to wait a few seconds for OK to turn on (I just button mash OK until the screen comes back on)
Don't even have to leave your app or even the show you're watching but is still a time wasting pain
