For some perverse reason, Sony is using a new code set in their DVD/VCR combo units. For now, no Sony remote, and only a few higher priced OFA/RS remotes, has these new codes.

You will definitely need a learning remote to control the combo, with sufficient capacity to learn all of the commands.

Since, at this price range we are not talking about internet shopping, I would suggest you try one of these remotes, which you can return if it doesn't work. The Sony RM-VL700 or RM-VL900 ($35 and $60 respectively at Circuit City) would work well since they have more learning capacity that the Radio Shack or OneForAll remotes, but they cost more than similar Radio Shack or OneForAll remotes.

You can try either the OFA 8810W ($20) at Walmart or the 15-2103 ($17) at Radio Shack. You should be able to get most of the commands you need into them, and there are ways to combine learning with keymover commands to increase the number of commands you can use.