I have heard differing reports that you can set it up so that it will 
control your Sky digibox (I have an old Panasonic VCR that does this).

Can anyone confirm/deny this?

Thanks
Bob

Copied from specs for this machine on Sony website:

Accessories

RF Cable
 1 included

HDMI Cable
 Not included

Remote
 RMT-D248P

Battery
 AAx2

Set-top Box Controler (IR Blaster)
 YES




I  set one of these up for a customer and it has their own version of
an EPG covering the Sky channels and the ability to control the sky
box channels.
I was sceptical at first but it does work.