Before the emergence of PMPs (portable media players), portable DVD players were the only on-the-road video-capable entertainment solution available on the market. That is why the Memorex company launched the MVDP1086, a player that offers users an 8-inch swiveling widescreen display but, unfortunately, relatively limited playback options.



As expected, the display is the most important feature this device has to offer, and for good reason. The adjustable 8-inch TFT LCD widescreen allows users to view the images at various angles, in either 16:9 / 4:3 aspect modes. Moreover, since we’re talking about a portable device, the screen is scratch resistant and can also handle bumps quite well, since the whole player features an advanced anti-shock protection system.



However, the device lacks one of the most important features required from just about any portable player. Thus, the MVDP1086 provides DVD, audio CD, CD-R/-RW, and picture CD playback, but doesn’t offer support for MP3 playback, which is quite strange for a modern player. However, it also offers a standard set of playback functions, as for example slow motion (1/2 - 1/4 - 1/8), multilingual subtitles, multi-angle menu and zoom, as well as a very user-friendly, on-screen GUI.



Memorex’s portable DVD player incorporates a standard set of connectivity options, including Audio/Video output, DTS coaxial output and a headphone jack but, unfortunately, works only in the NTSC system. Moreover, it comes with its own IR remote control that provides users with full access to all the player’s functions.



The device sports a built-in rechargeable battery, but, unlike several other models, it also comes equipped with a DC jack, which means that it can be used as a standalone player as well. The portable player is quite easy to pack and carry around, since it measures just 25.14 cm x 17.27 cm x 3.81 cm.



The MVDP1086 portable DVD player from Memorex is available for around 100 US dollars, which is a relatively high price for a device that's living its last days as we speak, being overthrown by flash-based portable media players.