> "if youre looking for a budget-friendly way to stop the remote juggle" Adding my two cents, totally agree! For a super safe, reliable option, the GE Backlit Universal Remote Control 4-Device 33709 is actually only like $12. It’s basically bulletproof for a Sony setup.

Seconding the recommendation above! Those Sofabatons are really cool tech, but if youre looking for a budget-friendly way to stop the remote juggle without a complex hub, I gotta mention the One For All Streamer Remote (URC7935). Honestly, its been a solid upgrade for my Sony setup. Basically, it uses IR learning so you can map your soundbar volume directly to the remote while still controlling the Google TV interface. It lacks the voice mic, which is a bummer, but the build quality is SO much better than the stock Sony clicker. Plus, it’s actually cheap compared to the high-end hubs. Just make sure your PS5 has 'Enable HDMI Device Link' toggled in settings so it wakes up when you switch inputs... it makes everything feel seamless without breaking the bank. Cheers!

I struggled with my Sony too!! So I got the Sofabaton X1 Universal Remote with Hub. It's amazing, but setup is complex so dont do it alone... basically better safe than sorry!

Seconding the recommendation above! Ok so, I struggled with that same laggy interface until I switched. The Sofabaton U2 Universal Remote Control is actually great because it combines IR and Bluetooth, which you need for the PS5. Just a warning tho... you'll probably lose the voice search mic button. Honestly, I found that pairing a decent remote with HDMI-CEC (Bravia Sync) is the real pro move for 1-button switching. gl!

Bookmarked, thanks!

Yeah, seeing everyone struggle with these setups really hits home. I agree with what is being said about the complexity... you definitely want to be careful because Sony can be super finicky with third-party handshakes. Honestly, this whole conversation reminds me of my neighbors experience a few years back:

• He bought this supposedly perfect controller for his Bravia and spent an entire holiday weekend trying to map the buttons.
• Every time he hit the Home button, it somehow sent a signal that turned on his electric fireplace in the other room.
• It got to the point where his kids couldnt even watch cartoons without the house heating up to 80 degrees because the frequencies were so messy.
• He ended up returning everything and going back to the clunky original because he was worried hed burn the house down just trying to watch Netflix. Its such a headache when the tech doesnt play nice... you really have to watch out for those weird signal overlaps.

Re: "Bookmarked, thanks!" - yeah this thread is a goldmine. saw this earlier and im totally on board with the simple approach. i spent way too much time overthinking my setup before just picking up a higher-end Sony Official Remote meant for their master series sets. ive had it for ages and im super satisfied... it literally just works the second you put batteries in. no codes, no complex apps, nothing. honestly, if you find any of the metal-finish ones from Sony they feel so much better than that cheap plastic one. its been my daily driver for years and ive got zero complaints. just go with any of their upgraded styles and you wont regret it.

Interested in this too

Just catching up on this thread and there are some solid suggestions here already. Quick question though, how much do you actually rely on the voice search? I ask because almost every third-party option is gonna strip that away, which can be a pain if you're used to shouting at your Google TV to find shows. If you can live without the mic, I still think a used or refurbished Logitech Harmony Companion with Hub is the gold standard for Sony setups. Even though they stopped production, the database is way more reliable than Sofabaton for switching inputs on a PS5 and soundbar simultaneously. Another one to look at if you want something current is the BroadLink RM4 Pro Smart Home Hub. It is a bit more of a techy DIY route compared to a standard remote, but it handles the Sony IR codes perfectly and lets you bridge everything to your phone or a dedicated scene button. Honestly, if you want that seamless feel without the lag, getting a hub-based system is always better than a standard point-and-shoot remote tho.