LG DP391B review

Weaknesses
One of the problems we found with the LG DP391B was related to the playback of DivX files from memory stick or DVD. In order to play these files, you have to select the sort of file you want to play, either photo, music or video. If you don't select the right type, the file you're trying to play won't show up. The only way to select the type you'd like to play is to press the 'title' button on the remote controller.

Although we like the styling, there are two problems with the reflective case. Firstly, it's a fingerprint magnet. The second you touch it, it's covered in vile hand gunk and you have to polish it to remove it. We can live with that, because you can avoid getting fingers on it -- unless you've got kids, that is. We find it harder to forgive the reflections you get on reflective screens, though. In a bright environment this can be a real pain.

The other problem we encountered is there's no lock on the disc tray (such as it is), which means you can open it when trying to fold out the battery/stand thing. This isn't a major issue, but we did it a couple of times, so it might annoy you occasionally. We also noticed that it was possible to knock the player in such a way as to dislodge the disc as it was spinning, resulting in a fairly horrendous noise.

Conclusion
At around £199, the LG DP391B isn't the cheapest portable DVD player out there, but it has a great screen, the styling is lovely and it's easy to use. Battery life is good, although we'd have been happier if you could swap batteries, for longer trips.

Still, this little player shows others how it's done, and has plenty to offer as long as you accept its limitations. If LG removed the reflective screen covering, and made the battery a little more capacious we'd have given it an even better score. Alternatives such as the Toshiba SD-P91S don't stack up as well, but Panasonic and Sony both have players that should impress too.

Edited by Nick Hide