Some Hitachi VCRs had both A & B code sets (so you could run two in the same room). I have two, and the Code B set is very rare to find on a pre-programmed remote. Just a thought in regards to your problem. I know recent models don't have this. You've come across the real problem with pre-programmed remotes: if what you need isn't there, it simply isn't there.

With that said, I'm surprised it doesn't work. I don't think Hitachi has changed it's main code set in years and years.