What you need to know about portable DVD players

Units designed for use in a car also use tablet-like displays featuring open screens, and some come with mounting straps for attaching it to a seat back. If you plan to use a portable DVD player in a car, we recommend you use a mount ($20 to $40) to secure it. That will keep the DVD player from flying around the vehicle if you stop short or are involved in even a minor accident.

Most portable DVD players have built-in speakers and outputs for connecting headphones. You can connect a portable player to a TV or other display to watch a movie on a bigger screen; some have digital audio outputs that can provide 5.1-channel surround sound to a receiver. You won’t get the same high-quality picture you’d get from a regular player connected to a TV, though, so we don’t recommend it as a substitute for a conventional DVD player. And as with any DVD player, you can use a portable to play music CDs.

Prices for models with 8- to 9-inch screens typically range from about $100 to $400; 7-inch models start at less than $100. The higher-priced players generally include more features. It might be tempting to save money by choosing a DVD player with a small screen. We caution against buying a player with a screen smaller than 7 or 8 inches, which might be too small for optimal viewing enjoyment. Most models now have a wide-screen display that mirrors the 16:9 format of movies. Screens that can be tilted or swiveled can help you to find the best viewing angle, particularly in brightly lighted environments where glare can be a problem.

In addition to playing DVDs and CDs, some players have an input for connecting portable flash-memory devices or a slot for a memory card. That enables you to play music or videos, or show photos stored on those devices. Other extras include a dock for an MP3 player or a clock with calendar and alarm functions.

Beware of flimsy construction, which can be a problem with a device that is likely to undergo some wear and tear during travel. Check out the player’s warranty. Warranties are usually 12 months on parts, three months on labor. Some less-expensive models might offer only three-month coverage.