A digital video disc, or DVD, is an optical disc storage media that lets you store data, including movies, and DVD players are devices that let you play DVDs. The discs are normally twelve centimeters in diameter, with a few having an eight-centimeter diameter. Portable DVD players are DVD players that allow you to watch movies whenever and wherever you likethey let you watch a movie "on the go."

Portable DVD players have a liquid crystal display, or LCD, screen attached to them. The LCD is in contrast to a standard DVD player, which needs to be connected to a television set for viewing. Portable DVD players are compact and lightweight and can be operated very easily. These devices are the perfect entertainment companions for the highly mobile traveler.

There are various features of a portable DVD player that are worth noting. The dimension of the player is important, since having a large rechargeable battery can add unwanted weight to the player, when the preference is for a lightweight device. Most portable DVD players are compatible with compact discs and with home entertainment systems. A larger screen provides a better viewing experience. Some of the portable DVD players come with surround sound systems that provide excellent sound quality.

Portable DVD players can cost anywhere from $100 to over $300. The price changes based on the features of the product, as mentioned above. Some of the leading companies in the portable DVD player industry are Sony, Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, GoVideo, Toshiba, and Coby. Currently, some of the top brands are the Panasonic DVD LS-90, Philips PET 1000/37, Sony DVP-FX 705, Coby TF-DVD500, GoVideo DP7240, and the Samsung DVD-L1200. However, the highly competitive nature of the market and the extremely dynamic nature of this industry give no guarantee that these brands will remain at the top of the most popular portable DVD players list.