Try this instead. here are all the commands for a Sony mini-disk this is from RHM5757's excellent Sony website.
[Link: anycities.com]To use these, download John Fine's MakeHex
[Link: remotecentral.com]The other things you need to know: Device 15 uses teh Sony12 protocol and 29.97 uses the 20 bit Sony protocol. Make Hex treats it as one big 13 bit device code and 29.97 => 2970 (29+32*97).
I think using MakeHex is well documented in the readme, but once you download and look around, I'll be glad to answer questions.
As far as Sony, if having discrete commands available and consistent is a criteria for purchase then Sony is a good choice. They probably need a little work on their customer relations. But their commands are so well known and published, I wouldn't be concenred.
-Jon