There was a mode where you'd just cycle through all stored "remotes" until the TV switched off. Then you picked that one, and most likely it would work (in my experience). It was great.
I once had a soldering course from a guy that is mainly known for creating a remote that could turn off any TV some years ago, really chill guy but also hillarious that he made a business out of a single gimmicky item like that.
I wouldn't be surprised if he lurks on here, if so, hi!
edit: it's the "TV-B-Gone" by Mitch Altman, who was at the forefront of creating hackerspaces - TIL they weren't as much of a thing in the US until 2008.
