In my experience, Sony is actually one of the easiest brands to manage because they haven't messed with their core IR code database in decades. Like, seriously, a remote from a 2005 Bravia will still turn on your brand new Sony X90L 4K HDR LED TV. But yeah, I totally get the frustration with losing those specific 'Sync Menu' and 'Action Menu' shortcuts... that's where most cheap universals fail hard. Since youre in that $50-$100 sweet spot, I’d highkey suggest looking at the SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control. I’ve used it for a similar multi-room setup and it's basically the closest thing we have to the old Harmony days without spending $300. It handles both Bluetooth and IR, which is crucial for your X90L's smart features while still talking to the older KDL's IR receiver. Plus, it has a tiny OLED screen that lets you label your own buttons, so you can literally create a button called 'Action Menu' if the default mapping isn't perfect. Another sleeper pick if you want something more traditional is the One For All Smart Control 8 URC7980. It’s got a great backlight and the build quality is surprisingly solid. Programming it is way easier than it used to be via their app, so no PhD required lol. Honestly, if you want that OEM feel but with backlighting, you could also grab the Sony RMF-TX910U Premium Backlit Remote. It's meant for the high-end models but works with most newer Bravias and will still handle basic IR for your bedroom KDL too. gl!

I'd actually suggest a different approach—maybe just get the Sony RMF-TX910U? It literally works for ANY Bravia and has all the buttons youre missing, plus it's backlit and feels AMAZING! GL!

Building on the earlier suggestion about the SofaBaton, it seems like the thread is split between going full OEM or trying a modern universal like the U2. I went through a bit of a remote graveyard phase myself after my old remote basically disintegrated, so I totally feel that frustration. I ended up going a slightly different route that I'm really happy with. If you can get that stiff bedroom remote to work just one more time, you can use it to teach a new device. I've been using the Philips SRP5018/27 8-Device Universal Remote and it works perfectly for my Bravia setup.

• It has a learning mode, so you can map the Action Menu or Sync Menu buttons yourself.
• The backlighting is actually bright enough to see in a dark home theater.
• It feels solid in the hand, not like those flimsy cheap ones. Tbh, spending ten minutes teaching the buttons is the ultimate DIY fix. You get to keep all those specific Sony features without spending $100 on multiple remotes. Just gotta make sure you map that Home button correctly!

Honestly, for a reliable setup that fits ur budget, I recommend the SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote Control. It usually runs about $50-60. From a safety perspective, it’s way better than cheap clones that might have leaky battery terminals. It handles the Sony IR database very well and the backlit screen is reallyyy helpful for dark rooms. It’s a solid, budget-friendly choice that works without a PhD! 👍

Respectfully, I'd consider another option. I mean, Reply #1 is totally right about the Sony IR codes being super consistent, which is great, but honestly buying that high-end backlit Sony remote for multiple rooms is gonna blow ur budget fast. I've been super satisfied using a much cheaper mid-range backlit universal remote instead. It's basically got a "learning" mode that lets you copy those specific Sony buttons like the Action Menu or Sync Menu from your old remote before it dies completely. It works well, costs way less than the OEM stuff, and handles the dark room movie nights perfectly. Plus, it's way more *durable* if the puppy strikes again lol. It's a solid way to save some cash while getting exactly the features you need. Just my two cents! 👍

Big if true