Hitachi 42PD3000 remote control - VCR control via 'Viewlink' ?

Hello,

My new Hitachi 42PD3000 Plasma TV remote (CLE-952A) has buttons to control a VCR / DVD.

I'd like to use it to control a VCR but in looking for a suitable Hitachi VCR (ie model VT-FX240E) but it seems no one is stocking Hitachi VCR's any longer

So I have 2 questions ?

1 - anyone know anywhere that has stock of an Hitachi VCR Have tried quite a few online sites but only http://www.digitaldirectuk.com lists them and I have no way of knowing if they're in stock as I can't find an telephone no or email address to ask, and i'm not going to order without knowing they have them.

2 - my Hitachi manual says that there are compatible systems to the Viewlink:

Panasonic - QLink
Phillips - Easy Link
Grundig - Megalogic
Sony - Smartlink
JVC - T-V Link

What VCR would anyone recommend from these manufacturers that would give me 100% compatibility?

Many thanks for your help,

Nik