Home > Consumer Reviews > Toshiba SD-P1000 Portable DVD Player

This is, hands down, the best portable DVD player currently on the market. Unlike other portable players which use more primitive LCD screens, the SDP1000 uses a polysilicon TFT screen similar to a laptop computer screen. There is far more detail, far better rendering of colors and a brighter picture than any of its rivals. The progressive scan picture is absolutely stunning and film-like. I can't wait to see it connected to a digital TV. The 5.8" screen is smallish when compared to the generation of DVD players that are available today, but I'd take the Toshiba, with its fine picture over a rival player with a larger screen any day.

Having said that, there are some features that need a second look. Many controls, such as the ability to skip to the next chapter or selecting subtitles, etc. can only be accessed by the remote control. This means that if you're sitting in an airplane seat you may have to manipulate the player as if you're a couch potato at home. I wish Toshiba put a greater array of controls directly on the player or at least made the remote smaller (it's as big as any remote I have at home).

I'm also somewhat disappointed in the battery life. Toshiba rates the battery at 2.5 hours, which is just enough to watch most movies. Because the battery is an outboard design that attaches to the rear of the player, perhaps they'll be able to build a bigger one down the road. One word of caution, if the battery is attached to the player and you accidentally press one of the controls while a DVD is in a closed player, the machine will turn on. I discovered this characteristic while on a flight to Europe recently when I reached into by backpack and found the DVD player already turned on. It's best to leave the battery detached until you're ready to watch a movie.

Finally, I'm disappointed that Toshiba hasn't made any of the accessories available as of this writing. This includes an extra battery or the ATAPI cord that allows the player to be used as a DVD-ROM drive. I'm hoping that when Toshiba releases an 8" version of this player that those accessories will become available. Unfortunately, Toshiba doesn't sell any accessories itself so I'll be scanning the retailers' stock often.

I have discovered that the auto/airline cord for the Toshiba Portege 3100 computer can be used on this player.

These deficiencies aside, the Toshiba SDP1000 is an amazing player that performs head and shoulders above its competitors.

OK, I have used this GREAT DVD player for about a month and here's an update to my previous review above.

PRO:

First, there is NO BETTER PICTURE available on any portable DVD player I have seen before or after purchasing this model (I've now compared about 20). Don't buy another brand without at least looking at the picture on the Toshiba at the same time as another brand. Again, use the "credit test", i.e. go to the end of the movie and look at the movie credits, see the amazing difference! Also, I have a DVD player on my laptop--this player beats the pants off it as well.

Second, picture is so good that it's 5.8in screen is easier for me to watch than a 7 inch screen. More amazing--when I watched "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" on my FULL SIZE 27", I prefered the Toshiba picture! It's simply that clear (HDTV equivalent).

Third, even though many advanced functions require the remote control, almost all basic play, pause, skip scene functions are available on the unit itself. My 8 and 10 year olds had no problem using just the player on a recent trip in our van.

Fourth, picture is acceptable from 45 degree viewing angle, but not much more than that. Better than most units I looked at, however.

Fifth, all cords, wires, headphone, and other connections are included (including one to a Toshiba laptop computer PCMCIA card, which is yet to be sold!)

Finally, the sound system (simulated 3D) is very nice. Sounds great.

CONS

First, unit gets very hot (known issue by Toshiba--so don't get shocked the first time you feel it). Toshiba warns not to put it on your lap. I agree, it feels like an clothing iron set on low (permanent press) setting, much hotter than my laptop. On the other hand, we used thick velcro tape (with sticky glue back) on the bottom sides of the unit to mount it on our cooler in the our caravan--worked fine, velcro stayed attached. Heat point is directly under center of unit, not on sides.

Second, I still have not been able to confirm if Toshiba Portege 31xx laptop auto/air cord works on this player (was in a previous review on this site). In our van, we're using a 12VDC to 120VAC converter, THEN using the included Toshiba SD-P1000 AC to DC converter. Not most convenient arrangement, but it works.

Finally, battery is bulky and can only be used for one and a half movies. Wish it had a longer use OR additional batteries were cheaper ....

Hope this helps.

This posting is to confirm that the Toshiba Portege 3100 auto/air adapter will safely power this DVD player. It uses the exact same plug and has the same voltage/amperage rating. I use a Targus universal auto/air adapter and plug No. 27 will work on this player. I've been using it since the beginning of the year on many airline flights with no problems (and a lot of envious looks from fellow passengers).

My friend bought a Panasonic player last year for about. When I showed him the picture quality of this Toshiba, he was amazed. He didn't realize how poor his unit was until he watched mine. And he also commented on how much better the speakers sounded. The scan lines are very apparent on the Panasonic, and the Toshiba's is like a photograph. I admit that his battery life is a lot better than the Toshiba, but I'm guessing that the screen consumes more juice than his also. When the accessories are available, I'll be buying a spare battery.

I compared all the portable DVD players and none of the other DVD players could hold a candle to the picture quality of the Toshiba . The polysilicon TFT, progressive scan screen is a marvel to behold. Using headphones the sound quality is magnificent. Compare the other portable DVD screens, and I'm sure you will be sold on the Toshiba SD-P1000.