I don't think anyone is claiming it is a URC issue. The hope was that if the report wasn't "snake oil" (I prefer to think positively), then 363 was perhaps using an alternate codeset with a different device number or function that might have worked on this model. Sony outsources most of these cheaper devices, and sometimes the OEM does not follow their established command protocol specifications as well as they should (witness numerous cheap Sony DVDs without discretes, and the final few years of their VCRs). But since the commands are the same, clearly that was not the case.

With that said, it is still possible that there's an innocent explanation - and that's if it's the recent firmware itself is responsible for breaking the functionality. Wouldn't be the first time there has been a regression. Unless, you can also report that this didn't work prior to updating.

Regardless, shifting back to the original topic, it sounds like the 7200 should be considered the minimum option (which is a bit odd, since it's basically the top model).

Out of curiosity, have you tested the 3200 or 1200?