Review of cheap portable DVD players in UK market

by Dr X Zhu ( PhD) Nov 08, 2003
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Cause: You want to buy a portable DVD player but don't want to empty your pocket;

Problem: There are many options to select from, all seems to be of similar setup but the price difference is quite big, so you are confused

Introduction

There are several cheap portable DVD players in the UK market, Goodmans GDVD 67, SVA DVD-1710, and Mustek PL 207. Mustek PL 207 are also sold in different brand names but they are actually from the same OEM hence not included in this review. There are many more cheap alternatives available on Ebay, but often with various different brand, and many of the seller are actually individuals from other countries, purchases are generally not covered under warranty and price is always before VAT and duty ( which might be collected by the courier when the portable DVD player is delivered).

Comparisons

Three portable DVD players are compared according to the following six parameter: appearance, screen, image, sound, battery life, and value for money.

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• Hard drive format review: FAT, FAT32, and NTFS file systems
• Which DVD / CD format: ISOor UDF?
• Data sharing between PC and MAC?
• How to install USB 2.0 storage device under Linux
• How to back up your DVD movie?

Appearance

Size: 190 x 142 x 29 mm (without battery)

Stylish aluminium-alloy casing, elegant control buttons

Score: 9

Size: 196 x 150 x 28 mm (without battery)

Plasticky; the finishing quality of buttons and controls are quite poor

Score: 7

Size: 288 x 225 x 250 mm

Chunky and plasticky but quite robust, out of date design, only good as toy for kids, not for serious boys

Score: 5

7" TFT LCD wide screen

Very bright and vivid colours

Score: 9

7" TFT LCD wide screen

Brightness OK but colours lack depth

Score: 7

5.6" TFT LCD normal screen

Brightness and colour can be improved

Score: 6

Very bright and vivid image, but edge a little bit too sharp.

Image above is the same scene (of the same DVD disc) played by this DVD player. Image taken by Sony Cybershot Sony DSC-P72 3.2 MegaPixel mode.

Score: 8

Overall good image quality but colours lack depth.

Image above is the same scene (of the same DVD disc) played by this DVD player. Image taken by Sony Cybershot Sony DSC-P72 3.2 MegaPixel mode.

Score: 7

No wide screen display makes it a pure loser at this digital age, images quality is low

Score: 5

Sound quality is OK, but it is better with the earphone included. Possible to connect to home surround sound system

Score: 6

Sound quality is OK, but it is better with the earphone included. Possible to connect to home surround sound system

Score: 6

Sound quality is OK, but it comes with two headphone jacks, good to amuse two kids at the same time. Possible to connect to home surround sound system

Score: 7

2.5 hours, rechargeable Li-ion battery, but replacement is difficult to find

Switching mains adapter and 12v car adapter included

Score: 8

2.5 hours, rechargeable Li-ion battery, but replacement difficult to find

Switching mains adapter and 12v car adapter included

Score: 8

No battery

Switching mains adapter and 12v car adapter included

Score: 4

Priced at £ 299.98

Score: 8

Priced at £239.98

Score: 8

Priced at £299.99

Score: 5