Did you try device code 1972 for either DVD or VCR device? I've read that remote is probably not JP1 compatible.

If you were to get a JP1 remote, it's not difficult to use at all. Mostly, you'd be downloading the set up file of the device you have, or model close to it, and maybe changing some keys around to suit you and the upload that to the remote. There are some more advanced functions, but you don't have to use it and you can get in to it slowly if you want.