Compare Prices

The PET824 portable DVD player is a step up from Philips' PET805. The screen increases from 8 inches to 8-1/2 inches (diagonal), and the unit remains relatively light at 2.2 pounds. The PET824 delivers impressive video and audio performance that you'd expect from a more expensive portable DVD player. This is a sharp-looking device, with an attractive brush-metal finish and a sturdy construction that should withstand the rigors of frequent travel or the attention of young hands.

The TFT LCD screen provides clean images that can be comfortably viewed by two people sitting side-by-side, making the PET824 ideal for enjoying an in-flight movie with a travel companion or for the kids to share in the back seat of the car. The 16:9 aspect ratio screen allows you to view DVD movies in their original widescreen format. While the audio reproduction via the unit's twin stereo speakers is only average at best, it is much improved when listening with headphones. This portable DVD player conveniently offers twin headphone jacks, so two people can listen at the same time.

Depending on the level of brightness and volume selected, the PET824's rechargeable NiMH battery lasts up to 6 hours, which is enough to watch several feature-length movies, but the battery adds some bulk to the otherwise slim design. If you use the PET824 in the car, you can instead use the included car power outlet adapter. With its composite video and coaxial digital audio outputs, the PET824 can be connected to a TV and home theater system for playback, but it is not a progressive scan player.

Avid gamers and digital video enthusiasts will be pleased with the PET824's composite video input, which allows the connection of a video game console or a camcorder. On the negative side, the PET824 operates noisily when first loading a disc, and it lacks a resume play function. Despite these shortcomings, the PET824 is a competent portable DVD player at a reasonable price.

Warranty
1 year