Product Features:

• Portable DVD player with 5.8-inch TFT LCD screen and anti-shock technology
• Composite-video output, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround output (for use with compatible AV receivers)
• Plays DVD-Video, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, JPEG CD, Kodak Picture CD, and HDCD-encoded CD
• Offers random play, search play, track programming; firmware upgradeable
• Includes rechargeable lithium battery, car adapter, and remote control

Product Description:

With Initial's slender, compact DVD-5820 portable DVD player you can watch your DVD movies, listen to your favorite MP3 CDs, and even watch slideshows of your digital photography--all while you're in your home or out and about. The DVD-5820 features an 5.8-inch widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) thin-film-resistor LCD, and compatibility with JPEG and Kodak Picture CDs, as well as HDCD-encoded CDs. Commercial CDs encoded with High-Definition Compatible Digital technology number in the thousands and play on any CD or DVD player, but players with HDCD decoding chips derive an extra measure of low-level resolution from these discs. The player also offers built-in stereo speakers for headphones-free listening. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output (through a .125-inch minijack-to-RCA coaxial digital-audio cable, not supplied) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player is firmware upgradeable to accommodate future formats, and it comes with built-in anti-shock technology to help maintain smooth playback when you're on the go. A composite-video output simplifies hookup with most TVs. Playback options include frame-by -frame slow motion, 2x and 4x zoom, screen saver/power-saving function, CD programming, parental locking, and multiple-angle viewing (with applicable discs). Supplied accessories include an AC adapter, rechargeable battery, user's manual, and a remote control. Headphones are not included.

Description from Manufacturer:With Initial's slender, compact DVD-5820 portable DVD player you can watch your DVD movies, listen to your favorite MP3 CDs, and even watch slideshows of your digital photography--all while you're in your home or out and about. The DVD-5820 features an 5.8-inch widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) thin-film-resistor LCD, and compatibility with JPEG and Kodak Picture CDs, as well as HDCD-encoded CDs. Commercial CDs encoded with High-Definition Compatible Digital technology number in the thousands and play on any CD or DVD player, but players with HDCD decoding chips derive an extra measure of low-level resolution from these discs.

The player also offers built-in stereo speakers for headphones-free listening. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output (through a .125-inch minijack-to-RCA coaxial digital-audio cable, not supplied) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player is firmware upgradeable to accommodate future formats, and it comes with built-in anti-shock technology to help maintain smooth playback when you're on the go.

A composite-video output simplifies hookup with most TVs. Playback options include frame-by -frame slow motion, 2x and 4x zoom, screen saver/power-saving function, CD programming, parental locking, and multiple-angle viewing (with applicable discs). Supplied accessories include an AC adapter, rechargeable battery, user's manual, and a remote control. Headphones are not included.Average Customer Rating:

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Comment: Great Player for the Price! Rating:
I was initially going to buy a more expensive DVD player at CC but was so impressed by this model (which was rebated for a good price) I bought it instead (two of them actually).

The picture quality is good (hint make sure you go into setup and set the 'TV' display to wide screen, at least when watching wide format shows - makes a difference in quality on LCD).

IMO the 5.8" screen is ideal in the fact that this player is no bigger than a normal CD player. As long as the player is close to you that size is pretty good. It works well if no more than a couple of people are watching it.

The sound is also good (given the size) and is loud compared to other DVD players. (Another hint - change the equalizer setting to live, etc. to get louder sound).

I can also play SVCD and DVD+R disks in the player although this appears to be undocumented. This is good news if you have computer with a CD/DVD burner.

My only real complaint is with the battery pack design. Instead of attaching neatly onto the bottom of the player like some models, it is 'hung' on along the back and plugged into to the players power connector. This is kind of minor but I would have prefered a more integrated design. A larger complaint related to this is the battery cannot be charged at the same time the DVD is in use. I would have rated the player 5 stars except for this.

Also, it has a red light that illuminates when the power switch is turned off. I've noticed this in other low end players like Mintek. What is the purpose of this function? It seems pointless and irritating to me.

One other minor complaint is most functions can only be accessed with the included remote control. This is also common to a lot of players. It seems like they could at least use the joystick to navigate the setup menus and such.

For the right price this is a very good player and is highly recommended.

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Comment: Amazing quality from an unknown brand... Rating:
"Who is Initial? I've never heard of them." Is what I said when I first received the Initial 5820 portable DVD player. It had been a gift from a friend who had received it as a free gift, as part of a special promotion from Phillips-Magnavox.

I had been considering buying a recognizable name brand portable DVD player, when a friend told me to wait. I'm glad I did.

I didn't expect much (considering Inital is an unknown brand), but it's unfair to judge the product before seeing how it performs. The picture quality is excellent - As good as a 5.8" widescreen LCD display can get. The colors are very vivid and natural-looking. The display itself appears to be flawless with no visible "dead pixels" which tend to plague LCD screens. The 5.8" screen seems to be a perfect size for a portable player - not too big, but not too small.

The built-in speakers aren't the greatest in the world, but they get the job done and don't sound bad by any means. Since it's a portable player, my main interest is being able to catch-up on my movie watching while riding on the train to and from work every morning. With that said, I listen to the audio with a pair of good headphones (Koss Pro-35 from Radio Shack) and I must say that the sound is outstanding.

Feature-wise, Initial included all of the features you commonly find on a full-sized player. Although not all of them are accessable on on the player-itself, they are available via a fully featured, credit card sized remote control.

If you need another stand alone DVD player to hook-up to an extra TV, this portable little dynamo can do the job. It features a digital coaxial output for audio, and a 1/8" to RCA Video and Audio (sorry no S-Video).

Overall, you get a high quality portable player - for a relatively low price. If you are considering a name brand machine, give Inital a try - for the price I am willing to bet that their quality can not be beat!

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Comment: Got a good one, after a try or two Rating:
I got this player as a gift, prior to deploying over here to Iraq. Fortunately, the giver provided a gift receipt. The first one simply stopped working after a the first day. So, with about 3 days left before i flew, I returned it to the store at which it was purchased, and they cheerfully replaced the entire unit. The second one worked wonderfully, but the battery would not charge once depleted. Another trip to the store, where again, they replaced it. Since then, though, I've used the player and new battery for the entire 14-hour trip over here (recharging at each stop, and using a portable power converter on European power) and have used it in the dust and grime here for some time. This one works great! Exceptional picture, good sound, and can even hook up, easily, to almost any display device I've found. I'd recommend it, but not to purchase on-line. Get one from a store that can provide you with immediate replacements for anything that goes wrong.

Posted at November 11, 2003 07:58 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)