Initial DVD-1810 Portable DVD Player with 8-Inch Screen

Comment: I purchased this model on 12/21/03 and it started to black out on me in May. After getting some tips from Customer Service it was working again but I had to reprogram it on a regular basis; any DVD over 30 mins would make the screen go black. This is a frustrating process when you have a 5 yr old yelling "Daddy the screen is black".

When I called Customer Service back earlier this month they told me they have a warranty extended plan where you send the model back with $49.00 and they will replace it with a new one. It sounded great but why would I spend more money on a product that doesn't work well? I went ahead and ordered the Panasonic LS50 7" Portable DVD Player instead and it's like night and day. This DVD has features the Initial product doesn't have like QUALITY! DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY on this product, go for quality and get the Panasonic.

Comment: I purchased this item from WalMart and it worked for one movie and now we get a few seconds of viewing and then the black screen. It was over 30 days before we initially used it and so now WalMart is not willing to exchange or refund. I see I am not the only one with this problem so I would HIGHLY reccommend buying a more reputable brand DVD player. You get what you pay for and this one is junk!

Comment: First of all, let me just say that I have owned this unit for about a year and a half and I have never had a single problem - although the battery is getting a little weak I think.

I currently use it to play DVDs and MP3s. I have found that you NEED the remote control to do many functions that are not available on the main unit. While listening to an MP3 for example (or probably even a CD or DVD), you must have the remote in order to 'fast-forward'. The controls on the main unit only allow you to 'skip' to the next file.

Anyway, I travel a lot, and LOST my "waffer-thin" remote control! After doing and extensive search on the Internet, I was unable to find a website for 'Initial', BUT I did manage to find a place where you can order a new remote (...)

Comment: I ordered mine in May of 2003 for a honeymoon trip. Well after two weekd the screen would go black after a few seconds after power on. But since it was close to my wedding date I had to deal with it until after I returned. It worked every now and then on my honeymoon. So after I returned I had it replaced with a new unit and don't you know it wouldn't work either. The same problem, black-out after power on. Two different machines, same problem. That's not a defect that's manufacturing problem.

Well you get what you pay for. Since I noticed Amazon has dropped this unit I guess they had enough complaints too!

Comment: I had ordered this product through Amazon.com, but after waiting for 3 weeks for it to ship, I canceled and went with Wal-Mart Online. Some stores may have the 8", but most only have the 7". I could purchase it for the same price through Wal-Mart, though they add tax so it made it a few dollars more. However, I received it in 3 days, so I believe it was worth it.

The DVD player itself is wonderful. It is well built and has a lot of outstanding features that my current dvd/vcr combo player at home doesn't. It will play any type of DVD that I have, including vcd's, music, picture cd, etc.

The screen is very clear and the sound from the speakers is good, though you will want headphones for a car. If more than one person were listening to the video you could get a 2 or 3 way headphone splitter so more people could listen by headphone. You could also use your cd player cassette that plugs into your car cassette deck to play the sound over you vehicle sound system. I also use a standalone mini speaker for listening at home or on the road.

If you are going to use the dvd player in you car, and that is why most people buy these types of dvd players, you could go for the Suspension Theater product advertised on the net. It sells for around $$ or more at some websites. However, I found a great little portable dvd player bag at Wal-Mart. It is in the electronics section with the dvd disc holder bags and other types of camera/electronic bags. $$ for this bag and it will strap to one seat or hang in between the bucket seats (like those of a mini van). Same features as the Suspension Theater, but a much better deal for me.

The battery is very slim and attaches to the bottom of the DVD player. Adds a little bulk, but nothing much.

Wow, what a great idea this has turned out to be. As we head for WDW in a few months, this will be a lifesaver.