Toshiba SD-P1000 5.8 in. Portable DVD Player

In comparing DVD screens recently, I was simply blown away by the quality of the Toshiba's screen. This is, hands down, the best portable DVD player currently on the market. Unlike other portable players which use more primitive LCD screens, the Toshiba uses a polysilicon TFT screen similar to a laptop computer screen. There is far more detail, far better rendering of colors and a brighter picture than any of its rivals. The progressive scan picture is absolutely stunning and film-like. I can't wait to see it connected to a digital TV. The 5.8" screen is smallish when compared to the generation of DVD players that are available today, but I'd take the Toshiba, with its fine picture over a rival player with a larger screen any day.

Having said that, there are some features that need a second look. Many controls, such as the ability to skip to the next chapter or selecting subtitles, etc. can only be accessed by the remote control. This means that if you're sitting in an airplane seat you may have to manipulate the player as if you're a couch potato at home. I wish Toshiba put a greater array of controls directly on the player or at least made the remote smaller (it's as big as any remote I have at home).

I'm also somewhat disappointed in the battery life. Toshiba rates the battery at 2.5 hours, which is just enough to watch most movies. Because the battery is an outboard design that attaches to the rear of the player, perhaps they'll be able to build a bigger one down the road. One word of caution, if the battery is attached to the player and you accidentally press one of the controls while a DVD is in a closed player, the machine will turn on. I discovered this characteristic while on a flight to Europe recently when I reached into by backpack and found the DVD player already turned on. It's best to leave the battery detached until you're ready to watch a movie.

Additionally, the unit gets very hot (known issue by Toshiba--so don't get shocked the first time you feel it). Toshiba warns not to put it on your lap.

Overall, an excellent unit particularly now as the price has come down so radically.