Hi,

Verbatims, Tauyo Yuden, Maxell (Made in Japan) are considered 1st class media, because they use Advanced AZO Dye.

They use quality products, and I guess the way they are made makes them awsome quality media.

Most other companies use cheaper material, they will burn but generate issues like freeze, skip on playback.

Also after sitting on a shelf for 1 year, some that did work will stop working.

The price for 1st class media is not that more from others, it's worth every $$$.

Also 1st class media can be burned to 8x without a glitch (Most people won't suggest any faster)

All 2nd class and cheaper stuff, I personally suggest not burning them faster than x2.0 or x2.4 (MY OPINION).

And yes, using 1st class media will eliminate several burning issues.