Sony DVP-FX 850 > Reviews (1)

If you are just the type of person who enjoys movies on the go, then look no further as this one of the best portable DVD players out there. Sony have really produced a GEM of a portable DVD player in the form of the DVP-FX 850.

Sony are renowned for their ability to create magnificent electronics both for the average consumer and for large organizations. This portable DVD player is no exception to Sony's policy of producing high-quality products.

To play a DVD you simply press a button located just above the DVD drive, which opens up the area in which you place your chosen DVD. The player automatically reads the DVD and plays the content. If the DVD does not automatically play you can manually press the PLAY button which is located just under the DVD players screen to start the DVD. Alternatively you can press the PLAY button on the provided remote control.

You can carry out the basic functions like rewind, forward, skip chapter etc, via the DVD recorder itself or by using the provided remote control. The remote control takes standard Triple A (AAA) batteries.

The screen size is 8", which is reasonable for a portable DVD player. A screen size of 8" will be plenty to view your DVD's. Plus, if a portable DVD player had a very large screen it would most possibly not be deemed as "portable". There is also a USB port from which JPEG and MP3 playback is possible.

4-5 hours of battery life is available when playing DVD content on normal brightness with earphones plugged in. The non usage of earphones will dramatically decrease the battery life, thus giving you less time to watch a DVD. Up to 6 hours of battery life is possible, only when a DVD is played at lower levels of brightness and also when the earphones are plugged in.

The sound from the integrated speakers is not sufficient enough if you want to watch video content in a car or on an aeroplane. Which I presume is because the DVD player is designed to incorporate the use of ear phones rather than the use of the integrated speaker system. As to maximize the portable DVD players efficiency in providing the optimum levels of battery life. Two head phone jacks make it possible for two people to listen and to watch the DVD simultaneously (at the same time).

This DVD recorder supports the playback of Divx content. Divx is basically a format in which high-quality video content is saved. This ultimately means that this very portable DVD player has the ability to play high-quality video content.

The numerous types of DVD formats you can play on this portable DVD player are:

1. DVD+R
2. DVD+RW
3. DVD-R
4. DVD-RW
5. DVD+R Double layer.

DVD+R and DVD-R in truth are two competing technologies and use totally different formats. There is no individual company which owns the DVD format and both technologies have their very own leaders. The DVD+R format on a DVD allows multiple layers for one disc whereas the DVD-R format only allows one layer. Both of these formats were not created to compete, but to work alongside each other.

Giving you an option to choose the one best suited to your needs.

A multi layer DVD+R can allow extra capacity (more space) per disc than a DVD-R which is why it is more expensive. Therefore consumers will have two options to choose the DVD format which best suits their needs or the weight of their pockets.

Overall I think that this DVD recorder is for the consumers who want quality and durability at the same time. There is a huge number of portable DVD players out there, thus giving you a wide variety to choose from. There will be many cheaper than this particular DVD player, but the quality and durability you get from this one is reliable and exceptional at the same. It is a little pricey but generally what you pay for is what you get with Sony.

Prices for this portable DVD recorder range from £135-£189 used & new on Amazon. With the used ones starting at £135 and the new ones at £189. The price of this product starts at £189 for the new one at most online shops, but if you visit the official Sony electronic shop you may be able to persuade them to give you a better deal. It often works in areas with low levels of customers.

I recommend this to potential buyers, but with the release of 160 GB media devices such as the iPod classic I am certain that not many people buy portable DVD players anymore. There will be a minority who purely want to enjoy a DVD on a reasonably sized screen even though they can store hundreds of movies of an iPod classic, which can be purchased at a price a bit above the asking price of this particular portable DVD player.

Below are the Sony DVP-FX 850's technical details.
* Playback formats - DVD+R/+RW, -R/-RW, DVD+R double layer, MP3, JPEG & DivX
* 8'' high resolution LCD screen (800 x 480)
* Swivel monitor for multiple viewing positions
* USB port for JPEG & MP3 playback
* Audio/video output/input switch
* Headphone jack x 2
* AC adaptor
* Slim remote control
* Carbattery adaptor
* Rechargeable battery (up to 6 hours)
* Audio/ video cable

Thank you for reading and i hope you found my review of this product helpful.