Portable DVD Players

Wize Buying Guide for Portable DVD Players

Portable DVD Brands

•    The advantage of owning a portable DVD player is, like the name implies, that they can be used or taken anywhere. The major brands in the portable DVD player market are: Coby, Audiovox, Mutek, Polaroid, Cyberhome, Phillips.

Considerations for using Portable DVD Players

The great thing about portable DVD players is that they can be removed from your vehicle when not being used. Built in DVD car systems can be stolen, and in the processes of being stolen can result in considerable damage to your vehicle.

There are three options for listening to your portable DVD Players in vehicles: headphones, audiocassettes, and FM transmitters which broadcast on an FM frequency that is received through your radio.

Most portable DVD players are compatible with gaming systems, which makes them handy when traveling. You and your kids will want the ability to play video games anywhere and anytime. –Think cross-country road trips here parents!

When choosing a portable DVD player, lean towards fewer controls; it’s going to make your life easier. In most cases, especially on road trips, kids in the back seat will be the ones using it. You’re not going to want to pull over when you need to turn the player on, off, or reconfigure a console setup after a tussle or bump in the back of the car.

Never use a portable DVD system in the front seat of a vehicle, because, well, head on collisions are nobody’s friend.

Formats for Portable DVD Players

Portable DVD players use progressive scanning for their presentation, which is the same way traditional TV sets work. Other formats available include: DVD, DVD R, DVD RW, DVD R+, DVD RW, CD, CD R, C RW, DVD R, and DVD R DL. Top end DVD players will have all these formats. If you record DVDs, or want to play recordable DVDs and CDs, be sure to look for portable DVD players that have these capabilities.


Uses of Portable DVD Players

These handy electronic devices are great when flying. You can watch your favorite movies during the flight. This allows you the freedom of not having to bother with the often cumbersome airline system. They’re also great for those long layovers in the airport.

Range of Prices

Prices range from less than $110 to greater than $1500. Always take into consideration how you’ll use your Portable DVD Player. Don’t end up paying top dollar for features and functions that you’ll never use.

Buying Portable DVD Players

Once you’ve narrowed your portable DVD player choice(s) be sure to consider:

•    Controls:  Are they easy to use?
•    Weight:  Portability does not always mean light; make sure they are not too heavy!
•    Options:  Make sure the options meet you needs.
•    Disc Formats: Make sure it has all the format capabilities you are looking for.
•    Outputs: If the unit is for a home entertainment system make sure it has S-video and Optical audio output
•    Screen Size: Make sure that you will be comfortable with the size of the screen.
•    Vehicle Use: If you’ll be using it in your car, make sure that it’s compatible with your car’s audio system.