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.

Product Description
Enjoy movies and more on the go with this Initial Portable DVD Player. You can also listen to MP3 CDs or view your digital photos on the 5.8" widescreen, 16:9 aspect ratio LCD display. Features: DVD/MP3/CD/CD-R/CD-RW compatibility; built-in anti-shock system; built-in stereo speakers; Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound compatibility; frame-by -frame slow motion, 2x and 4x zoom, screen saver/power-saving function; CD programming; parental locking; AC adapter; rechargeable battery; user's manual; composite-video output; coaxial output; hi-fi stereo earphone output; AV output; high capacity rechargeable lithium battery and a multi-function remote control.

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!


Outstanding value for the money   May 8, 2004
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

We took a chance and bought this product late 2001. We never heard of the company but decided to take a chance. For over a year this DVD player was used EVERY day for at least 12 hours. It has been used on several trips running for over 10 hours non-stop each way as well as visits to clinics, hospital stays, and family visits.

The only problem that I had with the player was that the pole for the power jack (AC/DC) gets loose after a while. Just a minor design flaw (lack of better support for the pole) that really is a matter of the USER taking care when moving the unit when the AC adapter is plugged in. I managed to fix this short myself by taking the unit apart and heating up the solder area under the pole with a soldering iron.

So, I am surprised to see so many negatives for the Initial products overall. When we bought the unit AudioVox, SONY, Panasonic, RCA, and others were at least 50% higher in cost. The DVD player is STILL going strong. The hinge for the LCD screen is still working very well. I highly recommend this product for overall quality, reliability, and durability. Only reason it did not get 5 stars is because of the minor design flaw mentioned above. I found the same type of power jack on other brands so I would not be surprised if they also have this problem. My two year old and his little sister was the main audience for this unit the first two years. We managed the use of it for them most of the time but kids are curious and we often found our son trying to learn how to use it. He learned how to use it and you know that kids his age are not gentle so I have to emphasize the unit's durability.

Picture quality and sound are VERY good. After all, this is a portable DVD player - not a full size progressive scan player that is connected to a $500+ AV receiver and an HDTV capable monitor. By the way, I have connected it to a TV and home theatre system several times, great picture and sound - amazed family and friends.

DVDs that would not play in a non-portable player worked fine in this one. I do hope that this helps - I did four months of research before buying the product. I am going to buy the 7" unit so the adults can watch a movie while away from home as well.