This is a great unit if one has many sources in one system. Personally, I don't use the video features much, but I have a high-end preamp (Sony pre-Esprit) with few inputs, and this unit adds the versatilty that the preamp lacks. Especially useful, as I have several recording units--3 reel-to-reel decks, cassette, DVD recorder and CD recorder. I use the Video side just to select sources to send to video preview monitors. Since the video section is standard def (low by today's standards), I wouldn't use it for anything else.
I've made rackmounts for this unit, and it accomplishes a lot without taking up much room. (One never has enough rack space!) Solidly built, I expect this unit to last a lifetime.