MPEG-2 Portable Video Players (PVPs)

The Bottom Line: While the Seagate FreeAgent Theater has a decent interface and good photo display options, it doesn't read as many video file formats as its competitors.

Specs: Digital AV player, 7.2 in x 7.1 in x 1.2 in, MP3, WAV, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 6.0, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: While the Seagate FreeAgent Theater has a decent interface and good photo display options, it doesn't read as many video file formats as its competitors.

Specs: Digital AV player, 7.2 in x 7.1 in x 1.2 in, MP3, WAV, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 6.0, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: While the Seagate FreeAgent Theater has a decent interface and good photo display options, it doesn't read as many video file formats as its competitors.

Specs: Digital AV player, 7.2 in x 7.1 in x 1.2 in, MP3, WAV, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 6.0, 1.1 lbs

The Bottom Line: While it isn't infallible, the Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player plays back a wide array of audio, video, and image files on your TV without the need for a computer.

Specs: Digital AV player, 5 in x 3.9 in x 1.6 in, AAC, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA, AC-3, AIFF, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, XviD, H.264, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, 10.7 oz

The Bottom Line: The Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link offers an easy way to watch digital video files without the need to hook up a computer to your TV.

Specs: Digital AV player, 3.1 in x 0.8 in x 3.3 in, MP3, WAV, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, DivX 3.11, 3.5 oz

The Bottom Line: Although a cumbersome interface hampers the LaCie LaCinema Premier's usability as a music and photo server, its ability to play back files ripped from DVDs is pretty appealing.

Specs: Digital AV player, 2.7 in x 6.7 in x 4.9 in, AAC, MP3, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, DivX 3.11, 2.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: Although a cumbersome interface hampers the LaCie LaCinema Premier's usability as a music and photo server, its ability to play back files ripped from DVDs is pretty appealing.

Specs: Digital AV player, 2.7 in x 6.7 in x 4.9 in, AAC, MP3, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, DivX 3.11, 2.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: Although a cumbersome interface hampers the LaCie LaCinema Premier's usability as a music and photo server, its ability to play back files ripped from DVDs is pretty appealing.

Specs: Digital AV player, 2.7 in x 6.7 in x 4.9 in, AAC, MP3, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, ISO, VOB, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, DivX 3.11, 2.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Cowon Q5W aims to do everything a gadget-aholic may want in a portable video player. Unfortunately, its confusing dual interface and high price hold it back from greatness.

Specs: Portable media center, 5.5 in x 0.8 in x 3.5 in, TFT 5 in - Color, ASF, MP3, MPC, WAV, WMA, AC-3, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, MPEG 1 Audio, MPEG 2 Audio, MPEG 2.5 Audio, APE (Monkey's Audio), ASF, AVI, WMV, DivX, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, OGM (Ogg Media), 13.4 oz

The Bottom Line: As the Archos 605 WiFi's little sib, the Archos 405 holds its own as one of the best portable video players for under $200.

Specs: Digital AV player, 3.9 in x 0.5 in x 3.1 in, TFT 3.5 in - Color, AAC, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA, AC-3, ADPCM, Protected WMA (DRM), AVI, WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, 5.1 oz