I have a flat-screen vizio TV that I am unable to switch between satellite viewing (directv) and playing a DVD player. Is there an additional remote for the TV that allows me to switch from one to the other without removing cables for one or the other?

You need a separate remote for the DVD player, even though you should be able to switch the modes on your TV, without switching cables. Is it possible to reprogram your TV remote for the DVD? Are you using a directtv remote? That is programmable for other devices if I remember correctly. See if this helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVuZlK-xVOU