Features of Portable Players
Different portable DVD players come with a discrete set of features that you need to consider carefully, before you purchase one. The screen size, the weight of the player, widescreen options, disc formats supported and audio/video outputs are important aspects that any discerning buyer should look at.
Screen Size and Weight
When you buy a portable DVD player, it is important that it is light enough for you to carry around. Weight is dependant on the size of the player, its screen and its batteries. Look for weight specifications on the side of the box but do hold the player itself: 300 grams doesn’t really mean that much to anyone unless they are an avid chef! A large screen model although being an attractive proposition because of enhanced image size and quality, will be heavier. The dimensions and weight of the player are important, if you have to sit with the unit on your lap.
Video quality
Make sure that your portable DVD player incorporates progressive scan technology and, if you intend to watch films, has a widescreen format. Since many of us use these players as either spares or as a player for an additional room at home, you may also want to check that your player is compatible with your television or home entertainment system. The player must have the requisite outputs including perhaps S-video output, which provides high video quality and optical out for surround sound audio via your own surround sound processor.
The different disc formats the player will support also matters a great deal. Take a good hard look at the DVD regions in your current film collection. If you intend to play music, many of the latest portable DVD players play all major disc formats: CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3s, as well as home burned CDs.
Pricing
Most portable DVD players are now reasonably priced, reflecting intense competition in the marketplace. Most also offer superior video quality and are built to function equally well if stationary or on a moving train, plane or car.
The prices of portable DVD players vary according to the screen size, manufacturer, model, and the features they possess. At the time of writing, an excellent portable player can be acquired for under £115. A model which sports a seven-inch colour LCD screen as well as MP3, CD-R, and CD-RW capabilities, will be available for around £105. Alternately, a 7" slimline model which plays DVDs, CDs, and MP3s, and includes complete cabling, built-in stereo speakers, and a cigarette lighter adapter will cost about £110. Prices are ever changing, reflecting continuous advances in technology.
NextBase Portable DVD Players
NextBase DVD players are made by Merconnet and are now one of the better known portable DVD player brands. One of their claims to fame is the production of the world’s first tablet type DVD player. They also offer a range of conventional models to address most budgets.
Among the most popular models from NextBase is a flat, lightweight offering with a 7-inch widescreen format TFT display, which is fully portable. The player is flat, and can be easily attached to a car seat headrest so that children seated in the back can watch a movie during the drive. It supports all of these formats: DVD/ VCD/ CD/ HDCD/ CD-R/ CD-RW/ MP3/ and WMA.
Conclusion
The portable DVD player offers hours of uninterrupted portable entertainment and helps take the tedium out of a long journey. Players are available in a range of models, and at affordable prices. As the technology continues to advance and more manufacturers enter the market, models are being differentiated from one another by the inclusion of ever more features. Some of these will be of use to you and some will simply be white elephants. Most importantly, stick to the basics: make sure that any player supports the formats present in your music or video collection; that the balance between screen size and overall weight is right for you and that if you want to connect it to equipment at home, the right outputs are present.
About the Author
Jason Flowers is Managing Director of 3 Wise Monkeys
With e-tailers like 3wisemonkeys.co.uk you get the best of both worlds with a guide to buying portable DVD players. As well as producing quick guides such as the one above to improve your on-line shopping experience, we are always happy to respond to your queries and to give detailed buying advice over the phone with no pressure to purchase.
