Audiovox D1708 Portable DVD Player with Screen
My roommate bought this single-disc portable DVD player a year or so ago for travel but we use it more frequently on the shelf above my Treadmill for occasions when listening to my
iPod Shuffle just won’t pass enough time. It’s super convenient to be able to watch a movie or TV programs on DVD when I work out; it really takes my mind off of the mindless running in place whether it is for a half an hour or on longer 2 or even three hour runs (yes I can actually manage to bear being on the treadmill that long ---but NOT without a movie to watch!!
You can really take this portable DVD player with you wherever you go. It’s perfect for someone who has to make business trips (or vacation trips too I suppose) because it’s lightweight (
less than 2 lbs) and you can throw it into a backpack or your carry on luggage and it does not take up a lot of space. The D1708 DVD player gives you a 7-inch widescreen display with aspect ratio control so you can choose 16:9 for widescreen movies or you can watch them in the standard 4:3 format. It actually offers a variety of other options, like the ability to not just play DVDs, but CDs and MP3-formatted discs. It also can play burned CDs that you might have copied some of your music onto.
Usage
This player is super easy to use. You just pop in a DVD or CD and press play; it’s like having your home TV and DVD player with you, in miniature. Plus, the NiMH battery will last for around 3 hours, which should give you more than enough time to watch a movie on a plane, or several TV shows on DVDs. When you get to where you’re going, you can plug it in and it quickly recharges the battery. OR, if you’re away from home and have access to an outlet, just plug it in and watch for however long you need to.
Sound
As far as sound quality, it is actually not too bad, though 90% of the time I’ve used it with my headphones. The player has some small built-in stereo speakers and offers a few “virtual surround” connections, has 1 Composite and 1 Analog Audio input, as well as 1 Composite, 1 Analog and 1 Digital Audio Coaxial output and of course, a headphone jack--- it actually
has 2 headphone jacks so 2 people can listen at the same time, which is REALLY good on plane trips with a companion, especially on a vacation, because the other person is no left out.
Picture Quality
While it is not a Progressive Scan DVD player, the picture quality is still adequate as a portable player, (of course this should not be used to replace your home DVD player or TV, obviously; the screen only 7 inches!! Although I suppose you could connect it to a home theater when you're not traveling.
Additional Features
The Audiovox D1708 includes: multiple angles, multilingual subtitles, parental controls, and slow motion. Also, you can control the brightness, saturation, and hue to adjust the picture to your liking. This is especially nice if you are in a low light area, like on an airplane, or somewhere that has a lot of glare, perhaps outdoors.
It also has a handy little remote control, though I am usually so close to the unit that I feel little need for such a feature, but it is still kind of cool that it is included. Also, it can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter with the included adapter and cable if you want to use it on road trips.
Overall
Overall, this is the perfect little
inexpensive portable DVD player. I would recommend it for trips, but more so for use with a home
treadmill (or I suppose you could try taking it to the gym).
As I mentioned, I have a small shelf on the wall that my treadmill faces. The player is just little enough to fit on the shelf without hanging over the edge so I don’t worry that it might to fall off with the vibrations from running. I’ll put in a movie and can run much longer than when I’m just using my
iPod Shuffle. My mind can get lost in a program and I’ll forget I’m running; a half an hour will go by, then an hour and so on. It’s a great way to pass time.
Often, if I feel like just watching a movie and not going out for a run or to the gym (and I can muster some extra motivation), I’ll just watch a show on the treadmill and get some exercise too. It has made many an hour much more bearable!
Size
Dimensions Depth 5.92 in.
Height 1.44 in.
Width 7.87 in.
Weight 1.8 lbs.
