I bought a sony rdr gxd 455 dvd recorder that came without a remote and need to know what remotes will work with it other than the rmtd-244a that is $ 70.

I cannot get the dvd recorder to initialize itself so that I can even use it in the manual fashion until I can get to be recogonized by the tv screen.

Sony tends to use the same IR signals across like type components. We know the IR signals for the RDR GX350, and it is highly likely that the 455 uses the same codes.

The remotes I know about are made by Universal Electronics, and the following remotes have a setup code (Video 1070, or 21070 with Comcast or Vizio) that will operate the 350 (and very probably) the 455.
OneForAll URC-8820 and 10820 (available on-line and at Sears) less than $20
Comcast (red OK/Select button only)
RCA RCRP05B ($20 at Best Buy)
Vizio VUR8
Three are also European OFA remotes that will work, but if you live in Wallawalla...

The DVD recorder has some discrete functions (like discrete on) which probably aren't available in the standard setup code, but we can tell you how to enter in the following EFCs on any button to provide the listed functions if the remote doesn't send them out of the box. 

advance	35742
angle	14236
arrow down	63644
arrow left	62620
arrow right	64412
arrow up	63132
audio	15260
channel down	35740
channel up	33948
clear	50588
descrete off	42652
disk setup	06814
display	39836
enter	50332
fast foward	27548
input select	34972
menu	01180
next	26268
open/close	35228
pause	59036
picture adjust	05278
play	26780
play mode	42140
power	34716
prev	27292
rec mode	02460
rec pause	59804
rec stop	59292
record	01692
replay	07068
return	51612
rewind	25756
stop	60060
subtitle	13468
system menu	38044
timer	02974
title list	35486
top menu	02204
zoom	63132

0	50844
1	19100
2	18076
3	18588
4	17564
5	19356
6	18332
7	18844
8	17820
9	51868

There is a slight possibility that the 455 uses a different set of device numbers.  The code for those is Video 1033

I have a Phillips Universal DVR Remote (SRU4208WM/17) that works almost all the functions including the disk change MENU, fast forward, next, back, etc. It does not have the button for disk change, though. The Sony Remote Commanders have ALL the functions built-in (RM-AX4000, RM AV3100 I have both) and probably more of the smaller, lower models have the commands as well. Check a local computer/Electronics swap-meet flea market and scrounge through the muriads of remotes looking for the buttons you need.
Sony remotes have some if not all of the commands and codes built-in, so get the newest one you can afford.
The remote commanders will work with 16-18 different devices, including separate ones for CD Changers and DVD changers like the CD 455 and DVD 777.

If you do not want to program the other non-Sony devices, You can download the entire software package for the RM-AX4000 at Sony. [Link: esupport.sony.com]
I tried 5 times, finally "chatted" with Support tonight, and it will not work with the 64 bit Operating System!!!
It was designed for the 32 bit systems only and no updating nor upgrading has been or will be done.
I hope that helps save some of you some time and effort. I could have used the info, yet Sony didn't say it was only for the 32 bit systems... Argh!!
May THE GOD of ALL CREATION Bless You in your endeavors.
Brock