Is there a preference between these 2 products...or is it apples for apples?

Well, from what I hear (I've only seen the RCA in operation) the Sony gives better image quality but, of course, also costs a fair bit more.

My two cents if you mind.... I first learned of DBS w/ an encounter at Tweeter's here in Mass. I took the time to shop around and no one else could compare to the attention I got at Tweeter's.
They took the time to explain (3 trips) the features of a SONY/DIRECTV system and sold me. I have been a SONY fanatic since. My origional purchase was a dual LNB rec'r. I have returned for a dual LNB w/ RF. My next purchase is for the dual LNB, RF, DC-3 model. Shop, shop, shop on the internet if you are a first time buyer. They're practically giving away the systems now and I have about a grand invested in my two receivers. It even comes down to on-screen guide preference and webtv availability!

I have both a Sony and an RCA Dolby Digital. The best thing about the RCA is it has 5 user profiles. You can set one up for the 9 year old, the 14 year old and the adults, with seperate rating limits, viewing hours, channel list, etc. The RCA also has an RF remote. The Sony is nice too, but it only has 1 lockout, limits, and channel list. Also when flipping through the guide it actually changes the channel as you go through them. With the RCA you can still watch what you were watching but see what else is on. BTW, I have ALL Sony Eguipment, except the DSS. Hope that helps a little.

I own the RCA digital model, and my parents own the Sony digital model. In all honesty I believe the RCA is a better receiver. It may just be me but I believe that the sony takes just a little bit longer to load channels. Also as mentioned above it is really annoying not being able to look at what else is on without flipping through all the channels. Also to show Im not bias, this is probably the only product I would prefer an RCA over a Sony, with both my TV and VCR being Sony. Hope this helps.

The Sony A50 and the B50 both let you stay on the channel your watching and search the channel guide.

Would you have the ir code for the sony A50(digital AC3 receiver DSS) I am thinking about getting the pronto home theater remote control

I can't believe I'm recommending RCA over Sony but I am in this rare instance. My partner and I both have 61" Sony XBR TV's. He uses a Sony Sat box while I use two RCA's. AS for image quality, if there's a difference neither Fred nor I can discern it (and I'm finicky about image quality and audio). The RCA has IR and RF operable without any switching and Fred's remote requires he switch between the two. That sold me. I use the RF remote in the bedroom upstairs and the IR One for All remote in the video room. Works great!