Just like the original cd burners were like (& still are in some cases), each brand/model has prefered media for burning. Some do better with some brands. The best I've come across with wide-spread compatibility is Verbatim (it also plays on all set-top players.) Visit a dvd forum & you'll find out which brands are best suited to which brands of burners & also offer the best reliability to be played on most set-top players. (I wouldn't necessarily recommend burning at max speed though! That in itself can cause issues!)

Thanks fabion that's a very important point that's been forgotten here!