I use DVD-R so I can't recommend media.

As for sources, the two best places are:

Meritline

and

Tape Resources

The service from both is great, although Tape Resources service is beyond great. I think they are even better than Amazon or B&H Photo, two places that generally come out on top in most surveys of Internet retailers.

Thanks, Pconti. I saw another thread where (I believe it was you) suggested Meritline as a source. I looked at their site this afternoon. They carry many different brands. Good resource. Thanks.

I don't use "pressers" either, and the problems were present with disks prior to any labeling having been attached, so the media looks to be the problem. Too bad I had to throw away 3 disks before there was a good one in the stack. Nevertheless, thanks for the advice on labels.

Anyone else have a comment on consistenly good product? Many thanks.

JCG

Johnmeyer, thanks for your reply. I will look at Tape Resources. "Beyond great" is a pretty good recommendation. I used to use B&H photo when I was doing still work, but it has been a long time - before the days of digital media... I will chase them up as well.

JCG

I have actually had my best success with Verbatim media! No problems at all. DVD-R though. Also in the DVD-R world Apple is reliable and Ritek is good at much lower cost.

In my limited +R experience, I've had no problems with TDK (or verbatim).

Mitsui has good rep.

cdrinfo.com did a great set of tests on various media and players - results posted here:
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Articles/Sources/DVD%20Media%20Format%20Compatibility%20Tests/Images/Sheet_PerMedia.gif

There's also a lot of using input on the dvd media section on dvdrhelp.com:
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdmedia

meritline is good, shop4tech, hypermicro,supermediastore, also all ok....
and you can sometimes find good deals at larger retailers.
Although memorex is not considered the best (though it's worked for me recently), here's example of good pricing from large retailers. These were posted on www.techbargains.com that may not still be valid:
Memorex 4x DVD+R Media $29 21-Oct-03
Back in stock. Amazon has Memorex 4x DVD+R 25 pack for $29.99 shipped free. No rebates.

Memorex 4x DVD Media Sale 19-Oct-03
Code: 25858467 Memorex 25 pack DVD+R or DVD-R Media is on sale. Add 2 of Item 934363 4x DVD+R media to you cart or Item 936109 DVD-R media. Add Buy 1 get 1 free coupon: 42370167
Final cost $59.87 - $10 in link = $49.87 Free shipping

I've been using Memorex DVD+R, never had a single coaster, it all works to everybody that I send it to even overseas. And just to make sure, use your rewritables first before you burn it to DVD+R.

Ritek G04 DVD-Rs rock. I hear they are most compatible with everything out there.

They might make DVD+ discs too but I'm not sure.

I'll use DVD+R for data but DVD-R/W for media(DVD)

TDK

So far I've used Maxell and Imation; both worked great

I have had good luck here.

http://americal.com/

no coasters so far.

I used to use B&H photo when I was doing still work, but it has been a long time - before the days of digital media... I will chase them up as well

I mentioned B&H Photo only to help illustrate how good Tape Resource's service is. I would not recommend them for blank media (way too expensive).

I've just bought my first batch of DVD-Rs from Prodisc. They look like excellent value as they come with proper DVD cases. Bought the better quality ones as I needed the inkjet prinatble finish so I end up with media a bit better than their standard dub stock and I can burn at 4 speed. Done a few at that speed and so far all is well.

Other nice thing is the printable area goes right to the spindle hole so I can make a very professional looking product. These people sell both CDs and DVDs that use a different dye to the normal, it looks much more reflective and they claim it lasts longer and have independnat tests to back it up.

At AUD 5.50 per DVD when you inlude the value of the case they are also pretty cheap, the supplier also runs a big dubbing facility so its in his interest to buy relaible stock.

My experience:
Cendyne 105 DVD-RW burner (similar to Pioneer 105).
Ritek G04 (4x) from Meritline (less than $2 each): no problems in about 50 burns
Ritek G03 (1x) from Meritline (less than $1 each): no problems in about 30 burns
I say go with the G03's unless you need to burn at high speed.

We use Ritek 04 and 03 DVD-r and Sony Branded DVD+R. No problems with the disk.

One thing I would recommend is to check the disk to make sure you get what you are paying form. One of the retailers mentioned in an earlier post sent a supply of Ritek 03s when we had ordered and paid for 04s. not a big difference but that is why the DVD checking software comes in handy.

Sometime earlier these was a detailed post on the DVD you buy may not be what you are paying for. Some of the name brands use other peoples plants to produce their blank media. I seem to remember that Verbatim was one of those.

Somewhere we found a freeware program that will tell you the manufacturer and other information on your blank DVD. I am sure someone on the board could tell you where to get such a program.

I've had no problems at all with Fuji DVD+R media.

I'll second on the Comp USA brand. For the -R format, they are only 1X, but I have found them to be reliable and they don't seem to degrade or become un-useable after sitting on the shelf.

discmakers has quality bulk
Several different levels & flavors to choose from. -R, +, printable, etc.
Cheapies have been okay. 3-4 coasters out of 75, so far.
At a $1 and pennies each that is acceptable...to me. Fast shipping too.

http://www.discmarket.com/browse.aspx?group=DVDR

>I'll second on the Comp USA brand. For the -R format, they are only 1X

I'll undo your second on the Comp USA brand. I've found the 2.4X -R to be trash 100% of the time (i.e., a single 25 pack). I can get about 3GB ok, but the remainder of the disc skips or will not play at all on my Apex (which plays everything). Even fails on my computer.

I've done 40 burns with Maxell 4X -R, tested on 10 players, and had only 1 failure (naturally, the wedding video for the bride and groom :-(). I've also used Maxell 4X +R and had several failures. Pioneer A06 burner.