Page 1 of DMR-E30? DVDR 880? ........Help?

Please forgive my total ignorance:

I am on the hunt for a `recordable` dvd machine.
The problem is ... I don`t know anything about the different formats, features, and potential problems!

I would greatly appreciate any advice or information, particularly on the following points:

1. What are the different formats, and is there a preferred format?
2. Are the discs I record, playable on my dvd player (Cyberhome adl528)?
3. Can someone recommend a simple-to-operate, relatively cheap (£400-£500), multi-region, macro-disabled, vcd/cd-r etc. compatible, dvd recorder, and if so - where is the cheapest/most reliable place to buy it?

My head is spinning with information I don`t understand, so please speak to me like a child!

Many thanks in advance.

Try visiting http://www.vcdhelp.com for all the blab about the different formats. The only DVD recorders out at the moment are from Philips and Panasonic.

BB