I've wasted cash on high-end hubs over the years that didn't cut it. So basically the consensus is stick with the Sony RMF-TX621U Voice Remote Control mentioned earlier for voice, or go SofaBaton. For a budget pick, the SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control is only $50 and handles IR mapping for the 'Action Menu' flawlessly. Lesson learned: proprietary Bluetooth stacks make 3rd party voice search almost impossible. 👍

I'd actually suggest a different approach - third-party gear is kinda sketchy for privacy. After years of testing, the Logitech Harmony Hub is probably the safest, most reliable choice for your setup! Love it!!

Honestly, be careful with 3rd party gear cuz most lose that Bluetooth voice functionality. I would suggest sticking with the official Sony RMF-TX621U Voice Remote Control to keep your shortcuts, or maybe the SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote if you're okay losing voice search. Just make sure to verify the mapping first cuz those specific Sony menus are tricky... gl!

Totally agree that a hub-based approach is the most reliable way to go, but if you’re a DIY enthusiast who's cautious about privacy, you might want to avoid the cloud-heavy options. Honestly, you can get professional-grade results using local programming if you're willing to put in the time. And here are a few expert tips for a solid self-service setup: • Look into the One For All Smart Control 8. It’s pretty great because it uses a massive local database for IR codes instead of relying on a constant internet connection.
• For mapping those specific Sony menus, I highly recommend the Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit Learning Remote. It’s a pro-level DIY tool that allows you to program specific 'Device Codes' and even string together macros for your shortcuts.
• Make sure your 'Bravia Sync' (HDMI-CEC) is fully configured in your TV settings first. It’s basically an industry-standard handshake that can simplify your setup without extra hardware. It takes a bit more manual work to get the mapping perfect, but it's much more reliable long-term tho.

sooo i get the frustration... sony is super picky because they use bluetooth for the voice stuff. unfortunately i tried a few over the years and they were reallyyy not as good as expected since they lose the smart menus. i'd maybe look at SofaBaton if your looking for shortcuts, but honestly:

• do you need that voice search button? cuz most universals skip that.
• r u controlling just the tv or a receiver too??

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Honestly i feel your pain so much with this remote stuff. I had issues with my Sony setup for months and it was just never as good as expected... the performance always felt sluggish and it really ruins the immersion when youre just trying to watch something. It actually reminds me of this nightmare i had trying to get my smart curtains to sync up with my home theater system last summer. I spent like three whole weekends trying to get the timing right so they would close exactly when the movie started, but the bridge kept dropping the signal right when the sun was hitting the screen. I ended up getting so frustrated that i just ripped the whole thing out and went back to manual blinds, which was a huge waste of money and time. Basically spent more time troubleshooting than actually watching any films. anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there just venting about how annoying all this smart tech integration is when it doesnt just work.

Good to know!