Very affordable and quite reliable, Initial portable DVD players are produced by a Chinese manufacturer, Initial Technologies, Inc. The Initial Portable DVD players models are:
- IDM-9520, 120-260 $
- IDM-9530, 180-270 $
- IDM-1810, 280-370 $
- IDM-1731, 180-200 $, the most popular, has special features:
- Multi-Language Audio Playback
- Multi-Language Subtitle Playback
- Multi-Viewing Angle Playback
- Multi-Aspect Ratio Playback (4:3 Pan Scan, 4:3 Letterbox, 16:9 Widescreen) Zoom/Shrink Playback (up to 4X) / (1/2X, 1/3X, 1/4X) Forward Search/Fast Forward Playback (from 2X up to 32X) Reverse Search/Fast Reverse Playback (up to 32X) Frame by Frame Playback
- Shuffle/Program Playback
- Input/Output Composite Video and Audio Playback Parental Lock Control
- Intellectual Upgrade Function
- Screen Saver/Power Saving Function
- Built-In Anti-Shock Circuit
- Multi-Function Remote Control
- 120V AC Adapter
- High Capacity Rechargeable Lithium Battery (2hr movie playback/4hr audio playback)
- Dolby Digital Sound Output
- DTS Sound Output
- HDCD Decoder
- Digital Coaxial Audio Output
- Optical Digital Audio Output
- Composite Audio Output / Input
- Hi-Fi Stereo Headphone Output
- Built-In Stereo Speakers
Good points for Initial portable DVD players:
- very competitive price
- no matter the screen type: small (5") or more (7" and 8"), picture quality is the same, and this is a plus.
- some AC adapters get warm very fast
- some players might skip frequently or freeze an image and keep that way for a while or for good
- some remote controls might lack the "volume control" button
- according to some consumers, the screen might suddenly turn black
- there are cases when an extra battery is needed because the original doesn't last too long
- the 5" screen is small. Whereas 5" screen is the conventional 4:3 aspect ratio, most DVDs are wide screen. Some viewers claim that some details are lost.