jandrfas I have used the sony the memorex and the maxell and the quality has been identical for me. You do know that when you see the "Sony Disc Recommended" message appear you can just start recording or touch the screen and it will go out?
That is a bummer about the drive door problem you are having! I wouldnt think the media would make a difference on that though.

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First I was a 403user than I was a 405user now I am a UX1user!!!! Plus a Popcorn Hour NMT and 42" 1080p LCD HDTV Life is Good!!!!!
Link to a few raw unedited SD dvd cam sample clips http://www.4shared.com/dir/1728796/25f562f9/sharing.html