Superior video, few extras – Samsung DVD-L760

When it comes to portable DVD players, the cliché that "you get what you pay for" is entirely applicable.

There’s a very wide selection of devices out there, all the way from run-of-the-mill to outstanding – and I would slot the Samsung DVD L-760 somewhere between the two extremes.

It does lack some cool features included in higher-end devices. For instance, its LCD screen isn’t adjustable and doesn't swivel like the Panasonic DVD-LS90, and the screen size is 7-inches, as compared to the Panasonic portable's 9-inch LCD. Nor does it have the built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders engineered into some of the pricier portables.

But those bells and whistles aside, the Samsung DVD-L760 pleases in four crucial areas – good video quality, quick and simple loading, easy navigation – and its ability to handle a range of media: including DVD-Video, VCD, CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, WMA, MP3 and JPEG formats.

The relatively fast load time - as compared to other Samsung players - is the first thing you notice. It took me around 12 seconds to get a DVD fired up from the time I inserted it into the tray and pressed the play control.

The other noteworthy feature is the video quality. It diplayed vivid and sharp images, with well-defined, natural colours.

Unlike some of budget models – where you start to notice the spaces between pixels if you get too close – the Samsung player offers you decent picture quality up close as well.

The device uses "480p enhanced definition progressive scan" output – that scans individual picture lines in sequence rather than alternately.

According to Samsung, this technology significantly enhances the clarity of digital images – a claim, I would say, that’s borne out by the pretty impressive video quality offered by the DVD-L760. The resolution of the LCD screen itself – 336,000 pixels – probably contributes to the video clarity

The relatively smaller LCD screen of the DVD-L760 – 7-inches – may be considered an asset or a liability, depending on your preferences. (The higher-end Panasonic DVD-LS90, for instance, has an adjustable 9-inch LCD).

Those who prefer a wider display may find 7-inches inadequate and unsatisfying.

I, personally, didn’t find the picture cramped, especially given the player’s 16:9 wide-screen LCD format.