Here are some examples of the Sony IR codes we use to control our equipment.
The Sony IR protocol use 40khz pulse width modulation: http://www.sbprojects.com/knowledge/ir/sirc.htm
The remote we have found is quite clever:
1) You can program eg. CD player no. two on the DVD button
2) Volume/mute for DVD, SAT, VCR uses volume/mute TV codes, eg. increase DVD volume, increases preamplifier volume if you use Sony TV volume/mute code for preamplifier.
Here is a link to the manual and code book: ftp://ftp.schwaiger.de/UFB_801_100
Click on the picture to enlarge it and read our comments and advice
This is the universal remote we use at the moment: UFB801 model. We have bought the remotecontrol cheap (5€) in Germany, it is made by: http://www.schwaiger.de/