I bought this unit to replace my VR8805 primary VCR, a 300 unit i bought in 1996 and fell in love with. Like the first model, the VR9160 was loaded with features to maximize your viewing pleasure. MTS decoder and HiFi Sound and clear reception. The dual azimuth heads ensure your recorded videos are clear and crisp even in SLP [EP] mode. The shuttle control, the best feature of them all, allows you to watch recorded videos frame by frame. If you are in the movie business, frame by frame play allows you to view stunt and special effects that otherwise would not be seen in regular play mode.
Both remotes are loaded with features so you don't have to get up from where you are sitting---that makes the VCR even more worth the cost, and easier to justify the purchase.

You can easily replay a scene in slow and frame by frame mode, again, allowing you to learn tricks of the trade.
As for dubbing, the front and rear AV jacks allow for easy hook up to and from another unit/TV, and the VCR automatically detects input/output to another device.
The remote includes a button for ejecting tapes, which alot of other VCR remotes don't have. there are plenty of other features to enhance your leisure time watching videos.
Auto shut off if you are watching a video late night, and for recording, auto sensing recording speed, which means you can record in SP mode, and if nearing the end of the tape, it will automatically switch to SLP mode.
The VCR also gives you plenty of room to schedule recordings.
When you pop a tape in, it tells you what you are watching, the date and time. This is for recording and viewing.
you can channel surf and be told what is on every channel you come upon, all without an extra fee.

Lastly, although this unit is packed with features, as are all samsung products, i was very disappointed when it died on me only after the 2nd yr. True, i used it every day, used the rewind, FF and pause buttons alot, which wears on a motor.
but for the price, almost 100.00, considering VCR's are becoming extinct, i would expect this model to last longer.
The motor i found out is not the same quality as other parts, such as the dual diamond azimuth heads, which requires very little if any cleaning.
I purchased a replacement remote for my VR8805 VCR, and WOW! 80.00...that's the cost of this VCR alone..
but then i visited my friend, his VCR, a JVC that he paid 70.00 for didn't have an eject button, and it was so difficult to use, you had to be awake..no watching TV or a tape half asleep...What Work!
even though VCR's are being phased out with the DVDS player, the DVD recordable unit's are too expensive, and are still in their 1st generation..a General rule of thumb not to buy, until they are more affordable and the kinks get worked out.
This unit is a steal of a deal, it will last you longer than 2 yr if you don't rewind a lot of videos everyday like i did, and you will enjoy it's use when you rent a tape.
the recording mechanism produce much clearer and vibrant picture even in SLP mode than any other unit including sony..
So until the DVD recordable unit becomes available, i would strongly urge you to purchase this unit if recording TV shows. videos from outside sources such as other VCR's, digital camera's, Camcorder's and other digital devices is what you want to do.
I would recommend this unit over any JVC, panasonic, sharp, philips, toshiba, and the cheaper sony vcr's.
Take care of the remote, they are expensive, and practically the entire cost of the unit to replace..