To my knowledge the protocol I describe here was developed by NEC (Now Renesas). I've seen very similar protocol descriptions on the internet, and there the protocol is called Japanese Format.
I do admit that I don't know exactly who developed it. What I do know is that it was used in my late VCR produced by Sanyo and was marketed under the name of Fisher. NEC manufactured the remote control IC.
This description was taken from my VCR's service manual. Those were the days, when service manuals were filled with useful information!