The Philips DCP851 Video Player with Ipod Dock is a workhorse of a portable video player. Unlike most video players, it has a built in Ipod dock that can play your Ipod's music and videos while charging it. (Check the specs for compatibility with your Ipod.) You can also take a Secure Digital card right out of your digital camera and plug it into a slot on the player and review your photos. This is especially useful when you're on the road without a computer to view them.
The Philips DCP851 plays various video and audio formats including: DVD, DVD+/-R and DVD+/-RW, (S)VCD, DivX, and MPEG4 movies. I primarily use my player to view photos and workout and music instructional videos. It's really neat to put the player on the dining room table and watch a slide show of trip photos. The 8.5" screen is vivid enough and the twin speakers loud enough to use directly during a workout or music session. If you need to view on a grander scale, the video player comes with A/V cables, so you can plug it right into your TV.
The Phillips DCP851 is rated to play for 2.5 continous hours on a single charge of the built in rechargeable battery. That's about the length of a theatrical movie. The only negative I've found is that the control buttons on the front need to be pressed for a moment, not just an instant, to for the player to respond. The included remote control more than makes up for this shortcoming.
All in all my Phillips DCP851 video player has delivered hours of photos -- that sparked great conversation -- and entertaining videos without a problem. It's a great, productive player.
Basic buttons on the top of the player include on, off, monitor size and source. The larger button to the left opens the DVD/CD door, which is located on the back. The back also has an arm that protrudes to prop the player in an upright position.
