Panasonic DVD-LV50 5 in. Portable DVD Player

I had been watching the specs on this item for several weeks, and made a lucky and timely bid on EBay to buy it for less than retail. In my recent travels, I have found few motels that have any kind of entertainment on cable that appeals to me. I have also typically had a tough time with the time spent on flights across country. I need something to distract me from the cramped seats and claustrophobia. In addition, I have an avid second life reviewing movies for Epinions...consider it a hobby! This unit allows me to view scenes, etc. WHILE I am writing reviews.

What I needed in addition was a way to see digital camera input, and be able to edit material in a larger format than the viewfinder. So far, this little unit has met all my needs.

On the positive side, since I paid about three hundred dollars less than retail, I am absolutely thrilled with it. As long as I am close enough, the picture is fantastic and offers a variety of sizing formats. I can watch a full length video without recharging, if not near a power source.

On the negative side, the sound quality is not fantastic, (out loud) but it is wonderful with the earphones. Watching the DVD player is not really a group event. It would be hard to position it so more than one person could get full advantage of the image quality.


On the whole, I have no regrets. The unit is somewhat protected by its design; unless you leave it open and running. It is light enough to pack, but probably not light enough for anyone but me to "pack around" with me. It fits well into my big camera case with the digital camera, camcorders and other odds and ends. I could easily pack it with the laptop, but together they would weigh about 12 pounds, with battery chargers and power cords. I only need one set of headphones though!


THE FOLLOWING IS ADDED INPUT DATED 6/26/2000

I have been using this item nearly daily since I wrote this first product review! I am absolutely enamored of its versatility and use. Because most of my "Epinion" activities involve movie reviews, I find this small DVD player to be in helping my memory, reviewing important scenes (and spelling) in film credits. For this reason, I am changing my rating of the product to the highest.
I LOVE this little gadget. In addition, it does not succumb as easily to the "I need to dust my electronics" blues! The DVD is entirely covered, whether on or off, and has no "extension" drawers .