Just to add to John's comments, the Topline series is most similar to the US "Producer 8" series.
The URC-8550 doesn't have learning or RF, so the closest US remote that matches that is the URC-8080.
The wording used in the on-screen menu system is slightly different in the European models, than what's used in the US versions, but like John said, the functionality is very similar.
One big advantage that the 8550 has over the US versions is that it is modem-upgradeable.
If you really want to maximise this remote's usefulness to you, you'll get yourself a JP1 cable, that way you can add your own custom-made setup codes to the remote's memory. There is even an "extender" available for this remote, which allows even more customisation.
Rob
http://www.hifi-remote.com