Chip SL490 functionality alternative?

[FriedMule]

Hi

I am looking for a "remote control" chip with the same functionality as the SL490 chip. It determines the pushed button by a "grid" like pattern, see picture.
I am only looking for a remote control chip with that grid functionality, number of legs, smd/tht, size or anything is not important since I am hoping to use the chip on a new project.

I have found these alternatives but all of them are no longer in production.
SL490
UAA4000
NTE1755
SK10038

[DrG]

I wonder if those chips have not given way to programming controllers, which can provide those functions...e.g., http://www.avr-asm-tutorial.net/avr_en/ir/ir_tx/ir_tx.html

[FriedMule]

Hmm yes that may be, I do also think an adorino may be a solution, I am just trying to avoid coding and to complicated solutions.
How would you make a TV/Stereo system remote control, with maybe a hardware chip?