DVD and CD media?

Here's something about DVD media from another board:

Reliable is a relative term.
Here's something I wrote recently:
"Best is no doubt Fuji/TaiyoYuden...way expensive, though. Verbatim is cheapest name-brand. Princo rulez the cheapie roost, and makes several other brands (LeadData, BulkPak, others...). Ritek is generally considered a step-up, and price reflects around a .25 premium.
As with cd-r media, 'great debate' continues regards quality v. price. With the A04, I was leaning toward paying extra for the Ritek's--but so far (as Ken notes) Princo burn fine. Neither cheapie likes to be burned right up to the very edge (I don't think the premiums do, either).
A couple stores that can be trusted not to sell 'bad batch' cheapies are rima.com and allmediaoutlet.com (which I usually favor due to free shipping). The price has pretty much been dropping on blanks until last week (they spiked up a tad--maybe due shortages/demand?). I expect it to drop shortly, particularly for higher-speed blanks. 1x dvd-r's are ranging around 65-70. for Princo and 85-90. for Ritek. Next increments are 2x for about that + .30. Princo 2x are generally seen as 'iffy', but Ken had luck with some I sent him. Also, many braver than I burn 1x Ritek at 2x (sometimes using hacked firmware in the A04)--but I don't risk. Then there is 4x from Ritek--which many use successfully, but they cost nearly 2-buck's (4x is the maximum for the A05).
http://forum.firmware-flash.com/viewforum.php?f=2 is a good place to read/search for media/dealer info and stuff related
to burning/A05/speeds/etc.

I found that unbranded-el-cheapo DVD-R/W works just as good as the expensive media. Upgraded and current burning software with firmware udates seems to be more of a issue with the Toshiba 6012 drive.

Always try the cheap-o's first, I mean, what will you lose, really? Usually, you can borrow one or two from a buddy, and see if they fit the bill.

I get my DVD media at the computer show in Pomona, CA (it's regularly scheduled and quite large).

Usually pay $0.50 per disc in a 50-pack spindle. 2x media, too. CD-R's, well, whatever is there works for me, I'm not incredibly picky and have not had the need to be, either. Again, computer shows for buying in bulk; and Staples/Office Depot when they have rebates and things going can sometimes yield a good deal.

-myrkat