A solid DVD player with essential accessories

I got this using a Sony gift card and purchased it for $200. I wasn't looking for anything particular at the time, and I thought this DVD player would be great for going on trips and flying. I chose the Sony not only because I had the gift card, but it seemed solid and I've done good with Sony products in the past.

Opening the box
When I got the DVD player, I opened up the box and was pleased with what I got. You get an AC plug for the wall, a car lighter adapter, and a remote. They also include cables that you can use to plug your dvd player into your tv, if you want to use it as your dvd player at home. You can flick a switch and make it input or output.

The player
Onto the actual DVD player. I felt that it was extremely solidly built. I've used other portable dvd players and the screen hinges usually feel weak. This dvd player felt solid. There is no latch to hold it down; its held down with magnets so nothing will break if it is forced open. The screen hinge feels extremely solid. It feels like a durable DVD player. Ever close the door on a BMW or a Mercedes Benz? On those German cars, the doors feel solid. This is how the dvd screen feels. The screen can also swivel around 180 degrees and you can fold it down. So it is like you are closing the screen, but it is backwards so with the cover closed you can see screen, like a Tablet PC. This is nice because if you have to have the player in your lap or something because it takes up less space.

If you are on an airplane, the battery will last for about 4 hours. There are also 2 headphone jacks, so you don't disturb your fellow fliers, but at the same time you and a friend can watch the movie.

Sound
If you're going on a road trip and want to watch it in the car, you might have a tough time hearing. The speakers built into the dvd player are ok if there isn't noise around you. But highway noise isn't blocked very well in a Honda Civic and even with the speakers turned up its not quite easy to hear the dvd player. You might still need the headphones. But if you're out camping and want to watch the movie in the tent, the onboard speakers would be fine.

Picture
Moving onto the picture. The screen on the DVD player is 8 inches in the wide screen format (16:9). Its not the best quality picture, but its ok. If you're just an average person looking for a player for yourself or your kids, its fine. If you're looking for an HD quality 1080p screen, this isn't it, if your going to scrutinize the screen, this isn't it, but if your just looking for a great overall player to use on trips and for the kids, this is great. If you look at the screen up close you can see the space between the pixels. The screen might glare if the light is not right, but the screen is resistant to scratches. That is a trade off that I'm fine with. When you put a movie in, the player will detect the screen size. If it is a full screen format, the player will just add black bars to the left and right of the screen. If it is the wide screen format, it will eliminate the bars at the top and bottom. This player can play MP3 disks and Jpeg movies burned onto a disk.

Negatives
It can't play Divx files though. The only thing I wish for is a carrying case also. I just use the box to transport it. But the box also comes with a handle. You could go buy a $20 bag though and use it to carry the player around.

Summary
For $200 (even cheaper now), this player is great. It has great battery life and an OK screen and OK sound. The Dual headphone jacks are great for public places when you're with someone. This unit also feels solidly built. The screen is also durable. If you're looking for a portable DVD player that will last you, I would strongly urge you to go into a store and take a look at this one.