I don’t know about you, but I love watching movies, especially when I’m traveling. There’s nothing better than popping in a DVD and enjoying a flick during a long car or plane ride. That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the Insignia portable DVD player! This handy gadget lets me watch DVDs anywhere, and it has become my trusty travel companion.

If you’re in the market for a portable DVD player, you can’t go wrong with the Insignia. This brand is known for making affordable, quality electronics, and their portable DVD player lives up to the hype. I did tons of research to find the best portable DVD player for my needs, and the Insignia stood out from the rest.

In this buying guide, I’ll walk you through all the important features, specs, and benefits of the Insignia portable DVD player. I’ll also share where to buy it, how much it costs, and what customers think of it. Let’s dive in!

Key Features and Benefits of the Insignia Portable DVD Player

Here are some of the most notable features and benefits of this handy device:

• Long battery life: The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 5 hours of playback per charge. This is plenty to watch a few movies on the go.
• Multiple screen size options: Choose from 9”, 10”, 11.5”, and 15.6” display sizes to find the perfect fit.
• USB and SD card playback: Load movies, music, and photos directly from USB flash drives and SD cards.
• Swivel screen: The display rotates up to 270 degrees so you can adjust the viewing angle.
• Travel-friendly design: It’s lightweight, compact, and features a carrying handle for portability.
• Supports multiple formats: Plays DVDs, CDs, CD-Rs/RWs, JPEG, MP3, and more.
• Comes with headphones: Stereo headphones are included so you can listen privately.
• Car adapter included: Charge and power the device in the car with the included car adapter.
• Parental controls: Limit what your kids can watch with the built-in parental controls.

Overview of Available Screen Sizes

One of the nice things about the Insignia portable DVD player is that you can choose the display size that best suits your needs. Here are the screen size options available:

• 9” screen: The most compact and portable option. Ideal for kids or squeezing it into bags and packs.
• 10” screen: A nice mid-size option with ample viewing area.
• 11.5” screen: One of the most popular and versatile sizes. Great for kids and adults.
• 15.6” screen: The largest screen size available. Provides an immersive viewing experience.

I opted for the 11.5” model since I wanted a screen that was substantial enough to enjoy movies, but not too bulky for travel. The screen size you choose depends on your budget, intended use, and personal preference.

USB and SD Playback Compatibility

One of my favorite features of the Insignia DVD player is that you can play files directly from USB flash drives or SD memory cards. This allows you to load up movies, TV shows, photos, and music, and take it all on the go.

To use this feature, simply insert a USB stick or SD card into the slot on the side of the device. Then navigate to the “USB” or “SD” input on the main menu to access and play your files.

The supported file formats include JPEG for photos, MP3 for music, and various video codec files like AVI, MKV, and more. Being able to play media right from an external device is super convenient when traveling.

Rechargeable Battery for Hours of Playback

The Insignia portable DVD player has a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery that delivers up to 5 hours of playback per charge. This is an ample amount of time to watch a few movies before needing to recharge.

Charging the battery is easy – simply plug it into a wall outlet using the included AC adapter. A full charge takes about 4-5 hours. There’s also a LED indicator that displays the battery level so you can monitor it.

I like that I don’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries with this DVD player. The rechargeable battery makes it much more convenient for long trips.

Swivel Screen Adds Adjustable Viewing Angles

One of the most useful features of the Insignia DVD player is the swivel screen, which rotates up to 270 degrees. This allows you to adjust the display to the perfect viewing angle no matter where you’re positioned.

For example, you can tilt the screen toward you on an airplane tray table or swivel it to the side in a car’s backseat. The adjustable angles make it easy to get a clear picture from any seat.

Being able to flip and turn the display is a lot more convenient than portable players with fixed screens. The swivel screen makes it much easier to watch movies from different positions.

Does Not Play Blu-ray Discs

While this DVD player handles standard DVDs and a variety of file formats flawlessly, it does not support Blu-ray disc playback.

If you’re looking for a portable player that can play Blu-ray movies, you’ll need to look at more advanced (and more expensive) options. The Insignia model can only read and play standard DVDs and CDs.

This isn’t a dealbreaker for me since I don’t own many Blu-ray discs. But it’s something to keep in mind if Blu-ray compatibility is important for your portable player.

Charging the Battery is Simple

Keeping the Insignia DVD player powered up is easy thanks to the included AC adapter. To charge the battery, just plug the adapter into a wall outlet and connect the charging cable to the DC port on the side of the device.

The battery indicator light turns on while charging and turns off when it’s fully charged up. Expect a full charge to take around 4-5 hours from empty.

I like to plug it in overnight to top up the battery before a long trip. The AC adapter is also compact and portable, so it doesn’t take up much space when packing.

Overall, charging this device is quick and hassle-free. The adapter conveniently powers it both at home and on the road.

Lightweight, Compact Design Made for Travel

Portability is one of the main reasons to get a dedicated portable DVD player. The great news is the Insignia model is designed specifically with travel and mobility in mind.

Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight. Even kids can comfortably carry it around. The dimensions are also compact at just 10.5” x 9.5”, so it easily fits into bags and packs.

The included carrying handle is a nice touch, allowing you to grab it and go. I never feel bogged down lugging this DVD player around, whether at home or on the plane.

If you want a portable player to take entertainment on the go, the slim and compact Insignia fits the bill perfectly. It won’t weigh you down on family trips and vacations.

What Media Formats Are Supported?

When shopping for a portable DVD player, it’s important to know what media formats are supported. Here’s an overview of what the Insignia model can play:

• DVD: Plays standard DVDs including DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW in addition to DVD-Video. Does not support Blu-ray.
• CD: Plays audio CDs (CD-DA) as well as CD-R, CD-RW, HDCD, and others.
• Photo Files: Views JPEG image files from discs, USB, and SD card.
• Audio Files: Plays MP3 audio files from USB and SD sources.
• Video Files: Supports AVI, MKV, FLV, MOV video files from USB/SD.

The variety of supported formats makes this DVD player versatile for different media. Just remember it doesn’t handle Blu-ray if that’s a requirement for you.

Handy Remote Control Included

Who wants to get up and walk over to your DVD player each time you need to change a setting or access a menu? That’s why the Insignia portable model comes with a handy remote control.

The remote allows you to operate the player from a distance. It has all the necessary buttons like power, eject, play/pause, volume, forward/reverse, menu navigation, and more.

The remote runs on two AAA batteries, so no charging needed. It’s lightweight and easy for kids to operate too.

I really appreciate the inclusion of a remote for convenience. It makes starting movies, adjusting settings, and navigating menus a breeze from any seat.

Listen Privately with Integrated Headphones

The Insignia DVD player has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can listen to movies and music privately. Included in the box are stereo headphones that plug right into this jack.

The on-ear headphones are comfortable and block out ambient noise around you. This makes it easy to get immersed in your content without disturbing others close by.

Volume buttons on the headphones provide direct control of audio levels. Having the ability to listen discretely is great for use on planes, in cars, or anywhere you don’t want to broadcast sound.

Connect to a TV to View Larger Screen

While the built-in screen on this DVD player is substantial, you can connect it to a TV for even bigger viewing. This allows you to output video to a larger display when desired.

Connecting to a TV is simple with the included composite AV cable that plugs into the AV out port. From there, hook it up to your TV’s composite input.

Then just switch the DVD player to AV input mode to send video to your TV. This is handy for watching movies as a family at home or viewing slideshows from your vacation pics.

Having the TV output option makes this player a versatile entertainment hub both on the move and at home.

Car Power Adapter for Charging and Use In-Vehicle

To help keep passengers entertained on road trips, the Insignia DVD player includes a car power adapter. This allows you to power and charge the device from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

The adapter converts your car’s 12V DC outlet into a standard AC power source. Just connect the DVD player’s AC adapter cable to the car adapter and insert it into the vehicle’s power socket.

This powers the player and keeps the battery topped off during long rides. It’s a must-have for family road trips!

The car charger ensures your DVD player doesn’t run out of juice mid-drive so the fun never has to stop.

Where to Buy the Insignia Portable DVD Player

If you’re interested in buying this DVD player after reading my review, here are the best places to get it:

• Best Buy – As an Insignia brand product, Best Buy carries the full selection online and in most retail stores. You can often catch good sale prices here too.
• Amazon – Found at competitive prices with fast shipping from Amazon. Look out for coupons to save more.
• eBay – New and used models can be found auction-style on eBay from various sellers.
• Walmart – Frequently in stock at local Walmart stores and Walmart.com.

I bought mine from Best Buy since I had a good promo offer at the time. But any major retailer of electronics tends to carry Insignia products.

Warranty Coverage

The Insignia portable DVD player comes with a 1-year limited warranty from Best Buy, which is the manufacturer. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for 1 year from the purchase date.

To file a claim, you’ll need to contact Insignia support with a description of the issue. If they confirm it’s covered under warranty, they will repair or replace the defective product.

I think a 1 year warranty is decent for electronics. Make sure to register your DVD player with Insignia to ensure full coverage. Overall, it provides some nice peace of mind.

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

When shopping for electronics, customer reviews can provide helpful insight. Here’s an overview of what buyers are saying about the Insignia portable DVD player:

• Excellent value for the price point
• Lightweight and great for travel
• Nice display with good picture quality
• Headphones allow for private listening
• Rechargeable battery lasts surprisingly long
• Easy to operate remote and controls
• Durable construction that withstands drops

The most common compliments are about the great quality you get for an affordable price. People say it works flawlessly for movies on the go. Some of the few complaints mention occasional faulty units, but these seem rare.

Overall, buyer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Customers agree it’s an ideal portable player that excels at keeping passengers entertained while traveling.

How Does It Compare to Other Models?

The Insignia portable DVD player can hold its own against many higher-priced competitors. Here’s how it stacks up:

• Less expensive than brands like Sony and LG while delivering great performance and features.
• Offers comparable or better battery life of 4-5 hours versus similar options.
• Has a vibrant LCD display that rivals more expensive players.
• Includes useful extras like headphones, remote, and carrying case found on more advanced models.
• Supports the same array of media formats as more costly units.

Unless you need Blu-ray playback or advanced features like built-in streaming apps, the Insignia player compares very favorably. You get incredible value without sacrificing key functionality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Like any gadget, the occasional hiccup can happen. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

No power:

• Check that battery is charged. Plug into AC power if needed.
• Press and hold power button for 30+ seconds to reset.

Disc won’t play:

• Confirm disc is properly inserted with label side up.
• Try playing different disc like DVD rather than Blu-ray.
• Clean disc with soft cloth and alcohol.

No sound:

• Adjust volume on headphones/device.
• Check headphones are plugged in fully.
• Try different headphones if issue persists.

Frozen screen:

• Press power button for 10+ seconds to force reset.
• As last resort, contact support about possible hard reset.

Contacting the manufacturer for troubleshooting help is always a good idea if problems continue. But most basic issues can easily be fixed yourself with these tips!

The Bottom Line

For anyone seeking an affordable portable DVD player packed with great features, the Insignia is a top choice that consistently delights owners. It offers long battery life, multiple viewing sizes, useful formats like USB/SD playback, and travel-friendly portability.

The included remote, headphones, and car charger add convenience and versatility. Customer reviews praise both the quality and value offered by this budget-friendly pick. While it lacks Blu-ray support, the Insignia portable DVD player excels at keeping passengers entertained on the go.

After comparing many models myself, I’m confident this is one of the best bargains on the market. If you need an easy-to-use player for road trips and flights, buy the Insignia with confidence knowing it provides great performance without breaking the bank. Let me know if you have any other questions!