Dealio Buying Guides: Portable DVD Players

Finding the Best Portable DVD Player for You

It's never too early to think about the holidays, or yourself. And as the price of electronics continues to drop, the scope of your gift giving widens. To many, portable DVD players seem extraneous, an unnecessary cost but consider the following:

Do you travel frequently by air but are tired of the same old movie rotations?
Do you require backseat entertainment for kids on road trips?
Do you have a laptop but would prefer not to waste your battery on a movie?

If any of these questions ring a bell, then a portable DVD player might be just what you were looking for! Small, efficient and now affordable, portable DVD players come in different shapes, sizes and prices. With so many options on the market today, it's a wonder you can even choose the right one! The following buyer's guide has been compiled so the portable DVD player you want finds you!

What's in a Name: Comparing Brands

Much like in the fashion world, certain brand names ring certain bells. For example, you might know the names Philips and Panasonic before Audiovox, but a name does not necessarily equate value or durability. When it comes to choosing and purchasing a portable DVD player, your final decision should not depend on a name. So, where to start? First, it is important that you understand the features you are paying for and which you want or rather do not want.

The Features Explained

Screen size

LG DP781

Screen sizes for portable DVD players range anywhere from 2.5 to 15 inches. In that range, you will find a plethora of prices. The price of portable DVD players usually corresponds directly to the screen size. The larger the screen, the higher the price you will pay. The 7-inch screen is the most popular screen size on a portable DVD player because of its viewability, portability and price.

Cost:
Generally speaking, 7-inch models price around $40-$100, 8- to 10-inch models between $130 and $200, and 12-inch-plus models for $200 or more.

Dealio's Pick:
The 8-inch screen on the LG DP781 delivers high resolution images, convenient swivel and flip capabilities, and a powerful 5 hour battery life.

Dimensions & Weight

Zenith DVP615

With technology improving at a rapid pace, the size and weight of today's best portable DVD players is less of an issue than when they were first introduced. If you are bringing the portable DVD player on a trip, the last thing you want in another bulky item to drag along. Generally speaking, portable DVD players weigh between 1 and 6 pounds, and range in size between 4 and 12 inches in length. For children, it is usually recommended to buy small. The smaller the machine, the easier it is for children to carry it themselves.

Cost:
The lighter they are the more expensive. Heavier options price out at $130.00.

Dealio's Pick:
The Zenith DVP 615 7-inch widescreen player is a great option and has received rave user-reviews on PCMag.com due to its ease of mobility and durability.

Digital Outputs & Accessories

Philips DCP951

Will you only use your portable DVD player on the road, or will you plug it into your home theater system? If you plan to use your portable DVD player at home, consider digital output options carefully.

S-Video- Determines video quality
Optical Out- Determines audio quality
Headphones- How many headphone jacks do you need, will people be sharing one player?
Head Mounts- Do you want to be able to mount the portable DVD player in a car?
Power Adapter- Can you charge the portable DVD player in a car?

The right accessories can make the player, so when you are shopping for portable DVD players make sure you understand what exactly you are paying for.

Cost:
Varies.

Dealio's Pick:
The Philips DCP951 has a 9-inch widescreen and includes an iPod docking port that allows you to both play and charge while supporting a variety of file formats.

Media Type

iLuv i1155

There are a lot of different types of media on the market today. The days of the DVD are over. You now need to ask yourself if you want your portable DVD player to also support CDs, MP3 music files, video CDs (home videos), CD-R, CD-RW DVD-R, and picture CDs. Many portable DVD players can support most, if not all of these media types. But as always, the more features, the higher the price.

Cost:
Players that play only DVDs will run as low as $35.00, the more features add, the more expensive the players get, some running as high as $250.00.

Dealio's Pick:
At around $200, the iLuv i1155 is the top-rated all-in-one portable DVD player for music, photo and movies. With USB and memory card drives, this portable DVD player takes ingenuity and accessories to a whole new level.

Battery Life

Sony DVP FX820

For long trips, the longer the battery the better. If you are on a transatlantic flight, a two-hour battery won't be that helpful. Many times, people opt to buy additional batteries for their portable DVD players. Before you buy, make sure the portable DVD player you are interested in will last as long as you need it to. On average, portable DVD player batteries have a 3-4 hour life, higher ends batteries can run as long as 6 hours, but require you to play DVDs with less backlight.

Cost:
Varies.

Dealio's Pick:
Sony's DVP-FX820 has a 6-hour long battery that is sure to last you on long flights and long car rides.

Now, armed with information you can take buying to the next level! The following are the 5, best-rated portable DVD players on the market today:

LG DP781 - This eight-inch widescreen portable DVD player has gotten rave reviews for its excellent resolution and reasonable price.
Zenith DVP 615 - This seven-inch widescreen portable DVD player is not only lightweight and compact, but also durable which makes it great for kids.
Philips DCP951 - With a nice nine-inch display, this portable DVD player has a built-in iPod slot for enjoying iPod videos on the same screen
iLuv i1155 - A touch pad sensitive control system and adjustable stand makes this portable DVD player a new classic
Sony DVP-FX820 - The eight-inch swivel screen allows for easier viewing and the battery has an estimated six hours of DVD video playback.

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