well if you're looking for a dvd-r/dvd-rw, then go with the Pioneer A04 or A05, or the Cendyne A04/A05. They are the same thing, and do a damn good job. They are retailed at around $200-$300 depending on your area, store and if there is a sale on (there was a sale at staples where you could get an A05 for $150
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They burn cd-r, cd-rw, dvd-r, dvd-rw.
There is a Sony burner that also burns DVD+R & DVD+RW, but it is quite a bit more expensive, just so you can burn dvd+, which doesnt have an advantage anyway.
you dont need "special" media, you just need some dvd-r. The best brands of dvd-r would be Apple, TDK, Traxdata, certain Ritek (they also make low grade media) or Verbatim. There might be other's ive forgotten.... I have used Verbatims for about 10+ games now, and they all play great on my v7.
there isnt really different sizes of media, there is the standard 4.7GB dvd-r, and there are some 9.4GB double-sided dvd-r, but they are very expensive.
The Pioneer/Cendyne A04 will read & burn all media, but the A05's current firmware doesnt allow you to burn onto cheap media.
hope it helps.