Rick,
I also use the SL-9000 with the same Sony Receiver. I have givin up trying to get the surround functions to work. I just use the control that came with the Sony.

BTW - the SL-9000 service manager contacted me and wanted me to send in BOTH the Sony Remote and the SL-9000. It would seem if they wanted it to work, they would purchase one themselves. I'm not willing to give up my remotes for several weeks AND have to pay for shipping.

Contact them. They claim to ahve a way to set a secondary unsused function key to handle the surround mode. I tried it and it didn't work.

Except for that I absolutely think the SL-9000 is the best remote around.