The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
On the right side of the unit, you'll find all the connectivity options available. In addition to dual headphone jacks, there's a switchable video in/out port (for using the player's screen as a monitor or playing DVDs on a larger TV, respectively); Sony includes the necessary composite AV breakout cable as well. In addition to a standard AC adapter, Sony throws in a car charger--but the FX930 does not come with any mounting straps for mounting on a car seat.
The FX930 delivers a much more detailed image--and it's all very noticeable, thanks to your close proximity to the screen. This was most apparent when we watched an action scene from "Aeon Flux" that took place in a garden. The fine detail of the grass and flowers was better than any screen we've recently tested. Battery life, meanwhile, was also impressive: the player hit Sony's rated life of 6 hours right on the nose.
In addition to an impressive high-resolution 9-inch screen, the FX930 plays back MP3 files and JPEG photos burned to discs (in addition to CDs and DVDs, of course), but that's about it. There's no compatibility with DivX or other digital video formats. Also absent is a USB port or flash card reader. Sony boasts compatibility with DVD-R media, but most portable players we've seen can also play the format.
Of course, none of that is going to be a deal-breaker for anyone who's just looking for a standard portable DVD player. The impressive screen, long battery life, and slick design make for an overall winner, with the comparatively hefty 2.7-pound weight being the only notable drawback for most users. Widely available for as low as $160, the Sony DVP-FX930 is well worth the premium over "bare-bones" portable DVD players from no-name competitors.
