DVD playback was about average and I did not encounter any hiccups while watching my Superbit DVD of Michael Bay’s Bad Boys. Audio from the integrated speakers left a lot to be desired, so you’ll definitely want to use one of the unit’s two headphone jacks.
If the non-swivel screen and a bulky battery pack do not pose a problem for your situation, the D8000IP is a solid performer with the added convenience of iPod video playback.
Coby has put together a rather impressive package with the TF-DVD7377. Not only is it one of the more attractive portable DVD players out there right now, it also features an extremely compact footprint and a versatile swivel display. To make room on your tray table for peanuts and your complimentary beverage, the 7377’s seven inch LCD can swivel around 180 degrees or even fold flat. In its flat tablet-style configuration, it makes for an excellent player to use in your car; plus, Coby was kind enough to include a fabric bag to hold the player suspended from your car’s headrest for rear seat viewing. And although they’re not ideal when competing with engine or road noise, Coby has also included a pair of attractive headphones in the box with the 7377.
One of the unique feature combinations presented by the 7377 is its integrated USB port and its support for the DivX file format. I downloaded a bunch of movie trailers in the DivX format and stored them on my keychain thumb drive. Toggling to the USB input immediately loaded the first trailer in my folder and playback quality was perfectly adequate. In addition to USB support, the 7377 also features an integrated memory card reader with support for both SD and MMC cards. On-screen menus are colorful and easy to navigate, especially when you use the player’s circular cursor control pad. Buttons are a bit stiff but layout is intuitive and the device is easy to operate in the dark.
DVD playback quality was average with the 7377 exhibiting occasional shimmer and mild trouble with text on titles such as Bad Boys and Tim Burton’s Batman. Although the push-button hinge release is a bit clunky and I prefer to have two headphone jacks, the TF-DVD7377 is attractive, compact and makes for an ideal travel companion.
Philips was the first company to take a portable DVD player and add to it the video capabilities of the iPod. Surprisingly enough, they’re still tackling that integration better than anybody. Sporting glossy and attractive white and black casework, the DCP750 features a seven inch LCD with full 180-degree swivel capabilities. The LCD can also be closed display-side-out, allowing it to be propped against a cramped seatback or slung from an automobile headrest for rear seat viewing. Fit and finish on the DCP750 is excellent and the supplied remote control fits neatly into the iPod cradle when you’re not using an iPod.
Like the Audiovox reviewed above, iPod video playback is simply adequate, primarily due to the windowboxing. Having to watch a program that originally aired in 16:9 on the DCP750’s 16:9 display with bars on all four sides is frustrating to say the least. One can only hope that iTunes will evolve and allow for true 16:9 TV downloads and properly-formatted output to an external 16:9 display such as the DCP750.
DVD playback was slightly above average and the Philips proved capable of delivering vibrant colors with minimal artifacting. I found myself wishing the screen was a tad bigger, but the good news is that Philips makes a DCP850 with a footprint identical to that of the 750, but it features an eight inch LCD with just a thinner screen bezel. If you can spare a few extra bucks, the eight inch model is the one I would choose between the two.
Although it lacks a USB port, the DCP750 does feature a stylish, compact footprint, iPod video playback, support for DivX video, two headphone jacks, an SD card reader and a best-in-class case design. With street prices well under $150, I’d be hard pressed to find a better bargain in the portable DVD market today.
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