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Portable DVD Player Buying Guide
Since its introduction in the 1990s, DVD has been the most popular format for Hollywood movies and has become the de facto choice for video gamers, software installation and now music and audio too. Even at its most basic, the DVD player is a technical wonder. The DVD is a high-density optical disk that can hold up to 4.7GB of data and supports multiple and often incompatible technical formats, including audio CDs, and is available with a wide array of features in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges ($50-$1,000). How do you know which one to take on that flight to China or keep the kids occupied on the drive to grandma’s? Pronto's DVD Buying Guide can help you determine which one's for you (see also DVD Player Buying Guide, DVD Recorder Buying Guide, Combination TV Buying Guide).
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Screen Size
Expect your portable DVD player to feature a screen that’s between 6” and 11”. Larger than 11” and the player might be too bulky to be truly portable. If you want something smaller than 6”, consider a video iPod instead.
Battery Life
Most of the portable DVD players will promise 4-5 hours, but probably deliver between 3-4. Some come with car adapters and/or a backup battery. Whichever yours comes with, make sure it’s convenient for where you’ll be using it.
Format, Format, Format
Know the format of the most likely DVDs you are going to play. Most portable DVD players support the standard DVD formats including DiVX and AVI, but some double as CD players or photo viewers, too. Blu-ray and HD DVD are less prominent but available.
Accessories
If you’re buying this for the car, make sure you get the car adapter. Additionally, you’ll want the secure mounts necessary to display the device properly and keep it from becoming a flying weapon in a car accident. And Velcro the remote; otherwise you’ll lose it.
Sound
Whether it’s DTS or Dolby 5.1, you’ll want the nearly-always standard dual-jacks to share the sound with a friend or for your children to share. Some come with headphones, but for better sound, purchase headphones separately and be willing to invest in them—they make all the difference (see Headphones Buying Guide). High end models feature an output that allows the sending of the signal to a receiver, so check that out if you’ll be transitioning the unit from home to car.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
The Toshiba SD-P2800 ($299) has it all: 10.2” screen, great resolution (800 x 480), and superb battery life (manufacturer claims 6 hours). We were also impressed with its accessories, including dual headphone outputs, car adapter, remote control, AV cables and battery pack. People who own this portable DVD player love the ‘bright pictures’ and said ‘the resolution is as good as it gets in portable DVD players’.
experts say
How Stuff Works - “Unlike many budget portable DVD players, the Philips PET724/37 Portable DVD Player feels sturdy and well constructed. It is also a sleek, attractive device. While it has some drawbacks, the PET724/37 can ably serve as a low-cost portable DVD player.” Source: How Stuff Works
CNET - “While its display isn't as sharp as that of certain other high-end models, there are plenty of positives here, particularly in terms of design and battery life, to recommend the Panasonic DVD-LS90.” Source: CNET
Audioholics.com - “We'd love to see Audiovox put out a Cadillac version of its current system - perhaps a 10" LCD with about twice the horizontal and vertical resolution of the VBP800 Portable DVD Player, but for now….the Audiovox lives up to its name - indeed, this DVD player-in-a-bag provides everything you need in a portable and mobile solution.” Source: Audioholics.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of portable DVD?
Phillips Docking Entertainment System
Aside from HD DVD and Blu-ray, a third alternative video format has become available with the introduction of the Phillips Docking Entertainment System ($200), which is a portable DVD player that comes with an iPod docking station. This makes it possible for iPod owners to play videos, movies and TV shows downloaded from the iTunes store. The Apple iPod plays MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Portable DVD Players) |
| $ | If price is a primary consideration, for $75-$150 you’ll get a player that spins discs and provides a solid performance and picture, even if the screen is smaller than you might like and the player comes with few accessories. Good Pick: Coby TF-DVD8501 8.5" Slim Portable DVD Player with Swivel Screen |
Compare prices at 27 stores $110 - $159 |
| $$ | In the mid price range, $199-$400, you should expect for larger screens, bright screens and high resolutions. At the higher end you’ll get multiple formats compatibility, including memory card and audio CD support as well as a surplus of included accessories, and support for playing through external monitors and systems. Good Pick: Toshiba SD-P2900 10.2 |
Compare prices at 22 stores $200 - $400 |
| $$$ | Top of the line portable are in the $500 range. You generall get everything the mid price range has, plus over $400 $499+ At the higher end, you’ll get bigger screens, higher resolution, more format support, more output, more accessories (mounting brackets, etc.) and a general rugged quality. Good Pick: Panasonic DVDLX110 11" | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
DivX/AVI/MPEG4
The most popular formats of alternative video production. Their names are often acronyms that represent these ‘codecs’ descriptions. All are methods of video compression. Many portable DVD players are called “DivX Certified” which means they can play videos encoded in this codec, often ‘ripped’ from other video sources. If you plan to view lots of non-Hollywood produced fare, make sure your portable DVD player can handle it.
Pivot/Swivel Screen
Refers to the ability of the screen to turn to nearly any angle to accommodate multiple viewers. The best portable DVD players have a rugged swivel feature though older and cheaper models may lack this.
Component & Composite Video
These are the two kinds of OUTPUT cables most likely to come with your portable DVD player. Unlike HDMI (High-definition multimedia interface) that provides a single, high-definition digital signal from your DVD player to your television, component cables (the three RCA jacks, often red, yellow and white) carry analog video signals from your DVD to your TV. Composite is a single RCA jack (often yellow) that also carries analog information.
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