So much info on media... my brain might explode!

[mojo2185]

I'm getting ready to purchase a DVD writer, most likely the Pioneer DVR-A05/105. I'd go out and get it right now for $200 but it seems like the thought of struggling with the blank media is holding me back. I've done a ton of reading on this site about the different media brands, but I still got questions.

1. Do any disks for under $2 actually burn at 4X, and allow you to watch a movie with menus without glitches?

2. Whats the deal with the firmware and their hacks? They allow the use of cheaper media? Are the hacked versions harmful to the burner (and can it be flashed back to an older version if all else fails)? Do the supported firmware updates (Pioneer approved, if there is a such thing) work as well?

3. If I order media online, is there a way to make sure I get good media, opposed to one that is mislabeled with a fake media code resulting in coasters?

4. Can anyone personally recommend a brand of media for this DVD writer (Pioneer DVR-A05/105) that is under $2. After reading some reviews Ritek seems good...

Thanks! Hopefully clearing some of this up will relieve my exploding brain.

-mojo

[AarontheRipper]

I've had the 105 for about 6 months now and love it. You can find it online for around $150. I've been using Riteks for a while now, and have yet to burn a coaster. The 105 also seems to do better burning of cheap stuff like the Optodisks and Princos than other burners. However, if you want to be confident that every disk will work, stick with Ritek. I prefer the branded, even if they are butt ugly. They appear to be better made, higher quality disks.

[AarontheRipper]

As far as where to order online, I've gotten good stuff from both Rima and allmediaoutlet. I haven't had a bad experience yet, but maybe because I've always bought Riteks.

[SyndicateFoo]

Get the Pioneer and get Ritek discs. Pioneer makes good burners and Ritek makes good dvd-r discs. Rima.com and shop4tech.com usually have good prices on Ritek discs. I have not yet seen a disc hold up as well as Ritek, nor have I seen a disc that has fewer problems than Ritek discs.

They're worth the price!