It's been a surprisingly long time since we've looked at a portable DVD player, which is curious considering the multimedia, connected age that we live in.
There's really no need for you to be without a video screen to stare at for even a second, which while we wouldn't necessarily advise it, means we know portable systems such as this are in demand.
And this LG DP391B is truly portable. It's light with compact dimensions and a rechargeable battery, which will deliver 3.5 hours of viewing when fully charged via the mains power connection.
You'll have no problem slipping it in your travel bag nor pulling it out on the train or plane while en route.
The player can be opened-up like a book to make three 'pages' – the screen itself, the player in to which you slide the disc and a stand.
Solid build and smart looks
It all feels solidly built, looks very smart, and the stand works well, holding steady when you adjust the angle. Talking of angles, the screen is excellent off-axis, though it is one of the more reflective screens we've seen.
The main controls are housed on top of the unit, while connections – including a USB input, AV minijack in/out, two headphone jacks and an SD/MMC/MS card slot – are on either side.
Also supplied is a remote control, which despite being covered in buttons, somewhat strangely doesn't have a volume control – so you have to use the buttons on the player itself for that. Disc compatibility is good, with JPEG, MP3 and WMA music CDs supported as well as DivX movies.
Picture quality is excellent
Most crucially, the picture quality on the 8in, 800 x 480 screen is excellent. Enjoying the DVD of The Dark Knight, the detail levels are impressive, colours are bright and vivid with plenty of contrast and motion is handled smoothly enough.
Black levels could have a touch more insight, but for the money we're undoubtedly impressed with what we see.
The speakers could be both louder and a touch clearer, but using the headphones sound quality is perfectly good – and with the two outputs, and the good off-axis viewing, two people can watch at the same time happily enough.
LG has put together a very smart package that performs as well as it looks at a surprisingly affordable price.
