Next x-mas time will be the season for cheap DVD-+R media. Its still too early to get it cheap. This is the exact way cdrs were when they first came out. The media didn't fall in price until the drives finally got to the $100-200 range. This is starting to happen with DVD recorders but it will take a little while longer because of all the formats. The newer DVD recorders are starting to support all the different standards. Next x-mas will see free after rebate dvd recordable media.
I am waiting for the dual layer recorders, really no point for me to upgrade before then.