While there is no shortage of budget portable DVD players available for under $200, the RCA DRC616N is one of the best performers in that price range. It may not have the neatest or most stylish design, but the DRC616N is a lightweight portable that packs a long list of features into its compact chassis.

The DRC616N is built around its wide-format 7-inch screen that lets you watch DVD movies in their original widescreen presentation. In addition to DVD-Video, this player is compatible with home-recorded DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. Music lovers can use the portable player as a mobile jukebox by playing audio CD or home-recorded CD-R/RW, including discs packed with MP3 and WMA digital audio files. Insert a disc encoded with JPEG pictures, and the DRC616N will create a digital slideshow.

The built-in stereo speakers produce a higher volume than most competing budget portables, and the DRC616N has dual headphone jacks so two people can listen in private. The player includes a rechargeable battery that delivers up to 3 hours of continuous entertainment between charges, depending on the levels of brightness and volume selected.

The DRC616N has progressive scan playback, and while this makes little difference on its relatively small screen, the playback quality is clearly noticeable when the unit is connected to a digital television via its component video output. There is also a coaxial digital audio output for routing Dolby Digital and DTS signals to a home theater receiver.

The included carrying case is disappointingly flimsy and is not ideal for protecting the DRC616N against the rigors of frequent travel. However, the case does double as a way to hang the player on the back of a car seat, which is ideal for keeping the kids entertained on a long road trip. For $180, the RCA DRC616N is a solid budget portable DVD player with a plethora of useful features.

Pros:  Compact and highly portable, lots of features for the price
Cons:  Not very attractive, cheap carrying case

Warranty
90 days parts and labor