whats good DVD media? Also burner software

[vrbaba]

So...got my OEM burner today from newegg. Heard having a good media plays a role...whats good and cheap?
I need to burn some tv shows (divx). Also, can I also copy DVDs? I mean its legal to have backup copies of DVDs, right? and they are suppose to play in any player?

Also, since its OEM, i need to install some DVD burning software. any suggestions... i have the full Roxio instlaled for a while now...but somehow the DVD burning is grayed out..not installed i guess. im gonna see if i can get that...dont wanna pay 50 bucks or anything for it though.

 

[keeleysam]

You wont find DVD software for <$50, but im liking Nero.

For media, try Fuji DVD-R's, but make sure they say MADE IN JAPAN.

 

[jae]

i prefer Fuji/Taiyo Yuden +R & Benqs/Sony -R, because they are 8x rated but can be burnt at 16x with good results. tdk and Verbatim are other good brands. try http://www.meritline.com

 

[Devrin]

I found anything that uses Ritek dye works great, ie. Ridata DVD's or the like. Theres plenty of dfferent companies that use Ritek and they can be had for a decent price.

 

[Steven the Leech]

Plenty of good DVD burning programs that are free, at least 2 that i can think of dvd decrypter/DVD Shrink

 

[Hurricane Andrew]

For commercial software, my first choice would have to be Nero. Second choice would be....Nero. Third choice...Nero.

As for freeware, definitely give DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink a look. They should be a staple for making backups of movies (like my kids Disney movies, so I don't throw $15 down the toilet when their friends come over and play frisbee with Finding Nemo ot Thomas the Tank Engine). Also, give CD Burner XP a try. It's freeware, and though it lacks some of the bells and whistles of Nero, it's fine for 90% of everyday tasks. The free version of Deepburner is also not a bad choice, though t obe honest, I haven't used the most recent version.

As for media, I'm one of those who isn't too particular. I've used everything from dirt cheap Value Disc and Teons from Staples (about 10 cents apiece on sale) to Taiyo-Yuden, Ritek, Fuji and Verbatim. Never had a problem with any of them. Just to be safe though, for long term backup or storage, I tend to use one of the 4 mentioned, more because I'm superstitious