single-disc dvd players

The IDM-1810 is the same as Circuit City's Initial IDM-830. That's what I bought. The picture is crystal clear and the volume is loud enough for car use. It's definitely a better picture than the comparable Mintek 8" unit. Everything about the Initial unit is nice, except one fatal flaw. The screen goes black when the thing is plugged into a car cigarette lighter. I tried it in both our cars - a Honda and a Subaru - and with another car adapter also (the Initial adapter worked fine with another device too). I tried it with the car engine running and with the engine off too. So it's gotta be the DVD player itself. One white flash and then black screen (but audio OK) every time you turn the unit on. But when I used it in the house or with the battery, this only happened once. Strangely there's a note in the package that says if the screen is black when using the car power adapter, turn it off, unplug it, then try again. So Initial KNOWS about this problem! What's the deal? If you ever want to use this otherwise fine DVD player in your car, forget it.

B4 I type in my review, I have browse the web a lot reading various reviews and models of portable DVD Players. Regardless of bad reviews I too bought this player and got a different feeling to it.
I chose this model mainly for the price. What other models are out there with these specs with 8" wide screen for under $300. As soon as I rec'd my model IDM-1810 I was already pleased with what it comes with. The slim design is very nice and the battery snaps to the back nicely with 3 hours playing time and 5 hours playing time when the LCD screen is closed.

I tried every type of media including DVD Rom DVD-R,DVD+RW, CD, CD-R. It passed. It only takes 4 ½ hours to charge the battery.
I wasted no time and I watched a movie right after another. I wanted to see if it would get hot on me and turn off. Wow, I had it on for over 4 movies. That's about 8 hours of nonstop playing time plugged in. It didn't even skip or shut down on me. So that test passed. I then tried the battery alone, this time I used the RCA cables it comes with, and plugged it in to this player and to a TV monitor to see how it would work. I can even plug in my Xbox to this thing if I want it to. It has an input and output for audio and video. Very nice. I saw a movie a little more than 2 hours using the battery, I did close the player so It would conserve the battery. That passed.

The next day, was the test I was scared of. Plugging it in the Car cigarette lighter, with the car on. Let me tell you guys, I tried plugging it in using various ways and it worked all the time. I did all this with the battery not plugged in the player. I even shook the hell out of it, The anti shock works also. This test Passed. The remote has everything you want except it does not have volume control. If anything that is my only negative remark. I guess I'm just being lazy to just higher it from the player. Now All I have to do is test the durability of this and see how long it will last. It does have a one year warranty and you have to mail in the warranty card within 14 days of purchase to receive this limited warranty.

I called Initial electronics to find out more about this product. They told me they have sold thousands of these and the reason why if the screen goes dark that's because it protects your player from over heating kind of like a fail safe. I guess I haven't been that unfortunate yet. They also said the difference between IDM-1810 and IDM 830 is the software updates. These 2 products are there newest and IDM 830 has a software update but both have the same functions. IDM 830 does cost more. I inquire for accessories and you can purchase accessories straight from them just not the player itself. The extra battery for this is not out yet and they estimated it would cost $100. Too much if you ask me, They do carry a universal battery but it does not snap on the back of your player. They don't have a case for this also.

The MFG is located at La Verne Ca. and there customer service number is 800 216 5156. I should get commissioned for this detailed review. Bottom line is this product receives my high rank of 5 out of 5 stars. Just read my Title for my review!

I recently purchased the Initial IDM-1810 Portable DVD Player with 8" LCD and Car Kit. Be advised that Initial's "Car Kit" is only a car cigarette lighter plug. Initial's IDM -1810 Portable DVD Player with 8" LCD(no Car Kit) comes with a car cigarette lighter plug. Why is the Car Kit included in the description? I have filed a complaint with Amazon informing them that, in my opinion, the manufacture's description is false advertising and borders on fraud. I have also purchased a Mintek 1770 with Car Kit. That car kit included a portable carrying case and straps that you allow you to attach to player to the front seats of your vehicle so children in the back seats can watch a DVD. If you want a portable DVD player with carrying case and car harness kit purchase the Mintek MDP-1770Kit which includes a carrying case/car harness kit or the Mintek 1810Kit as soon as it is released.