LG DP392G

LG's DP392G is designed for use both in the home and on the move, incorporating the features and styling of a digital photo frame into a portable DVD player. It handles both roles admirably, only being hampered by the lack of a screen cover.

It's a stylish device, constructed more to mimic a photo frame than a DVD player. Instead of a clam-shell lid, it's built with a single smooth plastic panel that opens forward. A power LED and the standard DVD navigation pad are the only other features on the front.

All other buttons can be found on the sides of the player: volume and playback controls, DVD menu navigation controls, and the device's setup options. You can alter basic settings such as the screen's aspect ratio and sound equalisation options. Another button controls brightness and colour saturation, so these can be fine-tuned while a DVD or slideshow is playing.

While it is at home, we found the best way to use the player was by folding out the stand built in to the rear of the player. It allows the unit to tilt beyond 45 degrees, so it's suitable for the vast majority of situations, whether in a kitchen or on mantelpiece or tabletop. We did accidentally open the DVD section of the case while adjusting the stand, however, which turns the player off.

A hard carry case is included with the device for protection while travelling, although this adds considerable bulk.

The unit takes SD, MMC and Memory Stick memory cards as well as providing a USB Plus port for external devices. JPEG, MP3, WMA and DivX file formats are supported, so you can feasibly load up a card with movies and music for a long road trip. Accessing files is a simple process thanks to an uncomplicated interface. Lag when switching between files is almost unnoticeable.

The device's in-built speaker is surprisingly competent. It distorts at higher volumes and only produces noticeable amounts of treble (giving it a tinny sound) but it's clear enough to be heard over a decent amount of background noise — in a car on a highway, for example.

Video quality from the unit is fantastic. With an 800x480 pixel resolution it's able to display DVD video without any scaling, resulting in a remarkably smooth and crisp picture. When we watched our test disc of The Matrix we were pleasantly surprised at the amount of detail resolved in flesh tones and landscape shots. Battery life is quoted at three hours, which is more than enough for several movies (and no doubt you'll want to get out and stretch your legs) or a lot of music. Only an AC charger is included, so you can't charge it from a car's 12V output.

As a photo frame and as a video player the device performs well. It's slightly too bulky to take anywhere without a larger bag to carry it in, but the dual function of a stylish photo frame and a relatively portable DVD player is compelling.