Can anybody give me any feedback of using Sony branded mini-DVD media vs. other brands? Other than the annoying "Sony Disc Recommended" message when I power up my DVD-305, are there any noticeable performance differences with Sony brand media?

I am currently using Memorex DVD+RW discs in my camcorder. In terms of image quality, they have been fine. However, as I mentioned in another thread, I have on several occasions had the camcorder give me an error message saying that the door has been inadvertently open, and every time this happens the disc gets corrupted and I have to use Isobuster to recover (which takes pretty much all day). It's really an annoying problem that I haven't been able to solve and I wonder if the media really has anything to do with it.

The Sony media is clearly much more expensive. I saw a 3-pack of discs at Best Buy for $15.95. I can buy a 10 pack of the Memorex for $22.95. If it really makes a difference, the price is not an issue - I'll spring for the better media. Any feedback would be appreciated.

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

I've used Ritek miniDVD-R for nearly two years with no problems. I use the "-R" media because folks seem to have less problems with them and because I like to have a "permanent" original backup copy of my video.

I haven't had a chance to compare yet (on my 403), but I'm "hoping" that the Memorex -RWs are the cause of the problems I'm having with some of my recent recordings. It was only the second time (after a reformat) I used these discs, and 2 out of 5 had skipping/corruption issues. I'm guessing one of these 2 may be relevant to some in-motion (i.e. not so stable) filming, but I'm rather annoyed that I had to become a master of some recovery software and techniques to get back the footage. (I'm planning to write up another post for that to provide some tips to others after I tried those tips myself on the corrupted VR-mode disc.).

The reason I said, I was "hoping" it's the media, is because otherwise, it would mean:
- either the DVD403 is very sensitive to recording conditions/vibrations
- or, my particular unit has problems!
So, I'm blaming the media for now. I did get some Sony, and even some TDK discs recently, though, but haven't recorded on them much yet. We'll see...

For what it's worth I had that happen not only with memorex discs but also Sony branded dvd-rw's. The drive made a rattle sound (like the laser trying to focus) and gave me that door open message.

Lost some great night time flight footage over MN which really pissed me off. This has lead to me just recording on a memory stick instead of optical media.

Pathetic.