Panasonic DVD-LS5 Portable DVD Player
The Essence of Being Portable
I spent hours and hours searching for a portable DVD player and got caught up with everything from price and size to functionality. Let's face it, every feature comes with a trade off and, for me at least, the primary function of a portable DVD player is to BE PORTABLE. The Panasonic DVD-LS5 really delivers.<br />I looked at all the high end models including the Panasonic DVD-LA95 and the Samsung 10 inch model. All were great but none of them had much in the way of battery life. Usually 2 hours or a bit more. Extra batteries were either very expensive and/or hard to find. The DVD-LS5 is also just over two hours but the batteries are way cheaper. <br />I was happy to see that the replacement/extra batteries for this unit are easy to find and don't make a major dent on the wallet.    The 5 inch screen looked small from the spec sheet but when you see it next to other models at 7 and even 9 inches you can see how rich and clear the picture is. I was amazed to see the clarity with no noticable ghosting or jaggies even when watching high action films. Bigger isn't always better. I found eystrain looking at some of the larger ones for the same money that were not as crisp.<br />I'll post again later once I have had more time to use the player but the features on the machine are great. It even played DVD+RW! Output to a TV is good but I will have to get the S Video cable to see how nice it really looks. It also has a dual analog/optical out port for sound so you can get surround sound if you have the system to support it. I think it is stereo only via headphones or analog output.<br />I think Panasonic really has the best line of players out there and with the prices coming down they are fantastic tag along entertainment for the weary train, bus or air traveller. One suggestion is to get a good set of headphones. Preferably one with an isolater to keep out ambient noise. The built in speakers are very good compared with other models but you'll want the quality and privacyof a good headset. I am sure folks around you will agree.<br />I am going to buy a bunch of batteries cause I am road warrior and can't handle a player that has no battery backup. It is small, easy to cary, anything but flimsy and won't run out of juice with the extra batteries <-- that you can actually find and don't weigh like bricks.<br />Kudos to Panasonic!