Though it doesn't include support for MPEG-4-based video formats, Voxson's entry-level SL-50 offers a clear, bright screen with Dolby Surround support. And you can even plug in an external input.

The DP392G is a great DVD player, with the additional advantage of functioning as a photo frame when needed. It has USB and memory card inputs, as well as a decent amount of picture adjustability. Quite frankly there's not much it does wrong.

Shinco's SDP-1720D has broad media compatibility and is easy to use, but its failure to recognise some DivX discs brings down the overall score.

If you're after a portable DVD player to keep the kids entertained on long car trips, you'll appreciate Shinco MDP-1770's clear image, support for most common media formats, and nifty extra features.

Teac's DVP904 DVD player has a smooth and vibrant 9in screen and decent stereo speakers. Its battery lasts long enough for two movies and it comes with everything you need for a long car trip. It's let down by a very poor set of headphone outputs and a noisy DVD drive.

A competent, well-priced mid-range player with a simple interface and good screen, hampered by poor speakers.

The DVD-ZK7 offers some high end features like progressive scan NTSC and PAL playback, but it's let down by poor stability and a lack of DivX video support.

There is nothing special about the P7004 making it consistent with most low end portable DVD players.

The Panasonic DVD-LS80 is yet another mediocre portable DVD player.

A decent enough mid-range player, Toshiba's SD-P1900 boasts enough features and quality to be useful, although it lacks the video quality of higher end units.

The PET710 suffers from a lack of image and sound quality, although the car seat holder and the car charger adapter are handy for car travel.

The LG DP9821P is a reasonable option for those after a portable DVD player, but image quality and design problems keep it from standing out from the pack.