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.
The smaller screen also contributes to the player’s compact design, and makes for easier handling. I’m able to slide the DVD-L760 into the relatively shallow side pocket of my backpack.
Also, a slightly smaller screen may translate into significantly longer battery life. Players with 9- and 10-inch screens customarily eke out a mere three hours or so. With the DVD-L760, you get around 4.2 hours of playing time on a fully charged battery – enough juice for two shorter films or one long flick.
However, playing time is noticeably shorter in a colder environment.
Samsung publicizes the "5.1 channel virtual surround sound" feature of the player – claiming that it enables you to "enjoy dynamic sound effects similar to 5.1 channel surround sound using conventional stereo speakers or headphones."
While the surround sound mode does crank up the volume a bit – it’s not really one of the really compelling features of this device.
Connectivity options are pretty basic. There aren’t any RCA, S-Video, or component outputs.
A supplied A/V cable allows you to connect the device to a TV. That’s a handy feature for corporate travelers who may want to watch DVDs on their hotel room TV set.
The device includes two (A and B) headphone jacks. When headphones are connected to jack A, you hear sound through the headphones as well as over the speakers. When connected to jack B, sound is heard through the headphones only, not the speakers. Again perhaps a nice-to-have feature, perhaps - but not crucial to the buying decision.
The device comes with a remote unit which runs on an (included) lithium battery. The Samsung manual advises that the battery be removed when you’re not planning to use the device for a long time.
Bottomline: I would rate the Samsung DVD-L760 as a decent mid-range DVD portable player.
If you can live with some negatives like the limited connectivity options, an average battery life (compared to, say, the Panasonic DVD-L590 which offers up to 6-hours playback with the included battery pack, but also carries a hefty street price of around $600) the Samsung DVD-L760 may be the portable player you are looking for.
For its price – it retails for 249.99 at BestBuy.ca – the Samsung DVD-L760 player does offer pretty good bang for your buck.
