EmailSeveral reviewers speculate that portable DVD players have passed their heyday. Companies are releasing fewer models, and new models receive little fanfare. While consumers may have fewer choices among portable DVD players, prices are dropping as well. It's now possible to get a good portable DVD player for less than $200. When shopping for a portable DVD player, reviewers say you should keep the following in mind:
- Screen size and portability. Experts recommend screens measuring at least seven inches diagonally. Players with 9- to 11-inch screens weigh and cost more, but they might be worth the price if more than one person wants to watch. Just remember that players with bigger screens are heavier.
- You will get better sound if you use headphones. In tests, headphones always carried sound better than the players' built-in speakers. When choosing a player, test out the sound through the built-in speakers and through a pair of headphones.
- Most portable DVD players can also play music CDs and home-burned DVD/+R discs. A few portable DVD players can also play DivX and MPEG-4 video files.
- Battery life is important. Make sure the player's battery will last long enough to play an entire movie. The best players can run about four hours. If you plan to use your player in the car, battery life is less of an issue because you can use a car charger, often included with the purchase. Batteries may last longer if you use headphones and set the brightness level to its lowest setting.
- More connectivity is always better. If you plan to share the player with another viewer, look for two headphone jacks; otherwise, you will need to purchase a Y adapter so two people can listen simultaneously. Nearly all portable players can hook up to a full-size TV to double as a home player.
- Look for at least a one-year warranty. Most players have a 12-month warranty on parts and a three-month warranty on labor. However, some budget-priced players have shorter warranties.