A system for Internet appliance data entry and navigation includes a reduced keyset remote control unit transmitting a user input keystroke sequence. An Internet appliance receives and parses the keystroke sequence, placing the parsed data into an input buffer. An Internet appliance browser accesses user interface display screens from remote storage via a communications network. The buffer contents define a window within an accessed display screen. The Internet appliance converts the composite display screen for output to a standard television receiver. A user makes option choices and navigates the user interface display screens by activating hyperlinks within the accessed display screens. A standard telephone keypad arrangement is used to create the keystroke sequence, permitting use of a standard or wireless telephone and a hand-held remote control unit for system input and control. An alternative embodiment permits voice input of text, numbers, special symbols, and shortcuts in many languages.