I have this machine and it works great. I use CompUsa DVD-R x1 and DVD-R 1x-4x. Also Maxell DVD-RW 2x. These DVD's work great. The Comp USA brand are very inexpensive and seem to burn a 1.5hr movie using the Emerson within 1-2mins with the DVD-R x1. The DVD-R 1x-4x seem to burn a little faster. I really have not had one problem with these disc's. As for the upgrade I've gotten the disc from Funai, but with the great success that I have had with these Comp USA's I've just bought a crap load of discs and will use these until there are nnon left before installing that firmware. Any word on that record/delay issue after frimware upgrade? The DVD RW's work excellent as well and the whole machine is very easy to use.