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Entry-level portable DVD players are typically used to keep the kids occupied on family vacations and road trips, which means they're subject to a different set of success criteria than other gadgets. Their displays aren't judged on the number of pixels they have or how many billions of colors they can display, and the players aren't evaluated based on whether they have features like progressive scan, 2:3 pull down detection, or fancy image conversion technology. Consumers considering these gadgets are instead more interested in things like ease-of-use, durability, battery life, versatility, and size and weight. Philips new PET824 hits the mark in most of these areas.
While the company's web site touts it as "the Ultimate DVD Experience," that's a stretch—a wide one. Still, weighing in just under a kilogram and with reasonably svelte dimensions (178-by-33-by-223mm), this book-sized player easily meets the portability criterion. But it does lose a few points once you snap on the rather large and ungainly lithium-ion battery pack. It doesn't add a lot of weight, but, sticking out like a big, fat tumor from the back of the player, it definitely detracts from the overall look and feel of the PET824. And the five hours or so of juice it provides is mandatory if you want to use the player on a plane or anyplace else that lacks a power jack. Thankfully a handy car adapter comes with the PET824, which means the battery isn't necessary if you plan to use it on road trips.
Operating the player is a piece of cake. The bottom half of the clamshell shaped device provides access to the DVD drive via a simple pop-up cover. To the left of the lid sits a radial control used to select menu items, as well as buttons to adjust display brightness and color. To the right of the drive lie two volume buttons (up and down) as well as play/pause/stop/skip controls. In short, anyone from five to 85 years of age should have little trouble navigating the PET824's commonplace functions.
It's also a fairly durable little device. The glossy white casing on top is resistant to scratches, and the matte black/brushed metal interior is pretty tough to scuff up as well. Mind you, the sides and bottom of the unit are made of less resilient silver plastic that doesn't hold up quite as well. But most users can live with a few exterior scratches; it's the display that needs to be hard-wearing, and the PET824's screen is certainly that. No trace of abuse could be seen by firmly pressing the LCD with fingertips or scratching it with fingernails—the most readily available weapons at most children's disposal. It wasn't until I pulled out a key that I was able to make a mark on the screen.
Too, if the road gets rough there's little worry it will affect the operation of the player. Vigorous shaking had almost no effect on DVD playback. Dropping it from about a foot onto a hard counter was the only test carried out that managed to get the best of the shock-resistant optical drive, though even then playback paused for less than a second.
The PET824's performance is on par with competitors in its class. Its 16:9 8.5-inch LCD has a native resolution of 480-by-234, which is a far cry from standard definition let alone high definition, but perfectly acceptable for its category and price. Just try to keep viewing distance to a minimum of about 22 inches; any closer and the screen door effect (black lines between pixels) will be clearly evident and may cause eye strain.
The modest stereo speakers located at the front of the bottom panel of the player are token at best, especially considering the optical drive's motor is so loud that it has a tendency to drown them out. Clearly players such as this are meant to be used with headsets, and the PET824 comes with two headphone ports to facilitate a pair of viewers.
It's also worth noting that the PET824 can do a bit more than just play DVDs on the go. For starters, it can be connected to any television and audio system and used as just a plain old DVD player in the home. It comes with a composite video and stereo audio cable, as well as a simple 38-button remote. Picture quality doesn't compare with a decent home DVD player, but it'll do in a pinch. Conversely, it can also function as a standalone display, which can come in handy for kids who want to use their game console away from home—though keep in mind you'll likely need to pick up a special converter to fit the player's non-standard 1/16-inch A/V-in jack. It can play music CDs as well, including CD-RWs and MP3s.
It might not be chic or sophisticated but the PET824 gets the job done. And, priced at just under $200, it's a reasonably affordable way to keep your kids content during road trips this summer—perhaps even for many summers to come.
Reviewed: Jun. 09, 2006
Type: Automotive, Hardware, KidTech
From: Philips
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