Portable DVD player reviews: Features explained
A portable DVD player could be the solution to boredom on long train journeys. There are some important things to look out for before you take the plunge.
Battery life
On a good model, the battery should last 3 hours
Some portable DVD players have the battery integrated in the player, like a laptop.
Others have a battery pack that protrudes from the back of the player.
But crucially, whatever type it has, battery life can vary enormously.
Some can barely stagger a couple of hours of playback before they die whereas others can get through a 3 hour movie without a hitch.
Sound quality
Amongst the players we reviewed, sound quality is generally poor via the loudspeakers, you can get better results with headphones. Look out though, some players don't come with headphones.
You can improve the sound quality by replacing the supplied headphones with a Best Buy set – see our headphones review to find the right set for you.
Several players have two headphone jacks, allowing 2 people to listen without disturbing others.
Screen angle
Most players let you alter the viewing angle
You choose the viewing angle for most players by adjusting the screen from 90 to 180 degrees the same way you would with a laptop.
A couple of players offer more viewing angles with very adjustable screens.
In the car
Nearly all portable DVD players are supplied with cigarette lighter adapters for use in your car.
A small number of players even have kits so you can mount them on the back of the front seat headrests. Front seat passengers can use a portable player so long as the screen is not visible by the driver and they're not distracted by it.
Resume
Not all players have a resume feature, but it is very handy. If you turn the player off mid-movie it will remember your place on the disc.
Video input
Want to play your iPod movies on a bigger screen? Most players on test have a video input, which means you can use them as a display for your Mp4 player videos.