Philips DCP750
Date Published: 11/8/07The Philips DCP750 is the lower-priced sibling to the Philips DCP850, another innovative portable DVD player from Philips that incorporates a video iPod dock. Its low retail price makes the DCP750 represents an excellent value for money and a not-insignificant bargain over the DCP850. The screen is smaller on this model at 7 inches in diameter, but retains the swivel design so it can rotate up to 180 degrees, enough to fold the screen back in on itself and turn the DCP750 into a tablet-like viewing device.
The smaller screen size makes for an even sleeker and more compact design. Once the screen is opened, a video iPod will fit flush into the docking bay vacated by the remote control. You can then replace the remote during transit or simply close the screen with the iPod securely protected in the docking bay. We appreciated the smart design of the DCP750, but felt let down only by Philips' failure to fully integrate the iPod's controls into the included remote. Aside from pausing video playback, the remote offers no control over the iPod.
As with the larger model, we were disappointed by two aspects of the Philips DCP750. Audio levels on the integrated twin speakers were weak, and the unit's battery presented some problems. Firstly, the battery offers about 2.5 hours of DVD playback on single charge, which doubles to a much more respectable 5 hours if accessing video from an iPod. The real problem is that the battery is built-in and not removable, thus making it impossible to carry a backup battery for those long trips away from a secondary power source.
Of course, the battery issue will mean far less if you intend to use this portable DVD player primarily with the AC adapter or in a vehicle with the included car adapter. There is much to recommend the DCP750: It handles just about every format DVD and CD available, including those loaded with DivX content. The unit also offers a memory card slot so you can access digital stills or DivX video files stored on SD or MMC cards. The player can also be hooked up to a TV at home or on the road enabling you to display your iPod content on a full size screen.
Overall, the Philips DCP750 performs solidly and its excellent disc compatibility, memory card slot and iPod dock will outweigh the problems with battery life and volume levels.
Pros: Budget price, integrated video iPod dock, memory card slot, DivX compatible, excellent disc compatibility
Cons: Weak built in speaker volume, disappointing battery life, no possibility of carrying a spare battery
Warranty
1 year, parts and labor




