Up to now I didn't use DVDR(RW) in my PC. I just used a stand alone DVD writer with 1394 input to create DVD's from DV footage. Today I installed a Pioneer DVR108 mainly for data backups, but I now am interested to compare the video quality too. What do our "DVD experts"use for DVD encoding/burning? Thanks for any advise.

You need three things:

1. video (MPEG2) and audio encoder (usually AC3)
2. dvd authoring (processes video and audio, create menu's etc.)
3. burning

Most dvd authoring packages can usually do all 3 steps. A lot of
people here use Sony's DVD Architect (can buy it with their Vegas
NLE, which includes all the points above).

The current list of best MPEG2 encoders goes like:

1. Canopus ProCoder (mid price)
2. CinemaCraft Encoder = CCE (expensive)
3. TMPGEnc (cheap / free)

I'm not an expert but mine do work.

Sony external drives

Canopus Procoder LE

Adobe encore 1 & 1.5

Verbatim media by choice
Memorex when I have to
Fuji works OK
In fact, I've yet to find media that didn't work well.

Epson R300 to print the labels directly on the DVD.