What is the best brand of DVD burner (hardware)?

Question

Can I get some opinions about the best brand/model of DVD burner (hardware)?
The DVD burner I use now (Sony) doesn't work well.
When I make a (legal) backup copy of a DVD, the new DVD copy won't play on any of my 3 home DVD players, and it won't even play on the DVD burner that created the backup.
I am looking for one that is the most compatible with all home DVD players.

I use RipIt4Me, DVD Decrypter, DVD Shrink, and Nero for the software. I don't think the software is the problem. And I have tried SEVERAL different brands of DVD+R media.

Any one care to comment on the best brand/type of blank DVD media to use?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

Answer 1

For the drive, Plextor generally is rated very highly.
For the media, Verbatim, or Taiyo Yuden. A very good source of info on media ratings is available at the below link.

Answer 2

I do NOT want "Best Answer" status here.
I just want to add my comments.

I was having problems with my DVD Copy applications.

I upgraded to a "Plextor" DVD Burner (A little more expensive)
and I started using EXCLUSIVELY DVD-R (NOT DVD+R and NOT DVD-Double Layer!) (ONLY DVD-R with a dash!)

YES the medium does matter!

DVD+R is compatible with only about 85% of current DVD Players. (That's with a plus sign)

DVD-R is compatible with over 95% of current DVD Players.
(That's with a dash, not a plus)

I use the same software that you listed and I now have no problems with my DVD copies playing on any of my DVD players.

So I say go with a Plextor drive and DVD-R medium.
I don't know about which brand is best?

Answer 3

nah, its not ur burner's problem..the reason why the dvds u burned couldnt play on ur home DVD players IS U HAVE NOT DONE THE Convertings CORRECT!
all u have to do is try to use other softwares which could help u with convertings...
Try the tools listed in the following source (if none of them help then try others,also in that web)
Hope it helps u, mate :)

Answer 4

I personally like the pioneers , great stable drives.

Any media will do, I like the Sony disks , once i had bought 8x sony disks , and i was able to burn them at 16X , sweet.