Panasonic PV-V4612 VHS VCR

My Panasonic PV-V4612S was purchased at Circuit City in Aug 02. I like the color (silver; better visibility, matches my TV) and the remote (good feel, AA batteries, easy access to FF/Stop keys). I also like the display which shows time when not in use as well as if a tape is loaded. The commercial advance is a great convenience when it works (approx. 80%). When it doesn't work it fails by ending the FF too soon. The biggest disappointment is the sound of the head rotor. It is LOUD. I've noticed some reviewers say that it is quiet. The one on display in the store seemed quiet but that was in a large noisy store. Mine is LOUD. This may vary from vcr to vcr but this is one of Panasonic's best machines. I ended up building a cabinet to put it in so now it is less loud. Finally, the recorder function works poorly at LP speed. In particular, there are horizontal white speckles accross the screen. I have an older Panasonic PV-4617 which runs much quieter and I am quite satisfied with. For that reason I selected a new Panasonic VCR. One would think that they would take more pride in their product since their reputation is one of their best selling points.