Panasonic DVD-LS50

This looks and feels very well made, and the first thing you notice is how small and light it is, which are important attributes for a portable product.

In fact, the Panasonic is noticeably the smaller of these two products and only weighs 805g compared to the Venturer's 1465g (both weighed with batteries attached), but despite this it has the larger screen size.

The picture and sound quality are excellent, and the subtitles really clear and easy to read. In fact, the clarity of the subtitles really took us by surprise. Subtitles are accessed either through the main menu of the DVD or via the remote.

With a compact product like this ease of use can easily be compromised, but we found it easy to use despite some small controls. The remote control was straightforward to operate and had a separate subtitle button. On the move this product's compact size was a real advantage and we found it easy to follow films, either by reading the subtitles or attaching headphones. It has connections for two separate headphones, which is ideal if you're travelling with a friend, or it can easily be linked to your home tv or stereo.

Venturer PVS 166W

Although this is larger and heavier than the Panasonic, you have to remember that it costs less then half the price! As such this package offers tremendous value for money. Like the Panasonic you get a rechargeable battery pack, recharger and a remote, but the Venturer also comes with a car power adaptor, a pair of earphones and a SCART connector. Possibly the best accessory, though, is a carrying case which doubles as a car mounting kit, making it ideal for entertaining the family on long car journeys.

The picture and sound quality were good; not up to the standard of the Panasonic, but still more than acceptable. Subtitles weren't quite as clear either: a single line of text looked fine, but with two lines one often appeared slightly clipped and not as easy to read. However, we had no problems reading the subtitles and following films without sound.

Most of the main controls are a good size and easy to use, but the on/off and volume controls were awkward to use and could be operated by accident. The remote is simple to use and had a separate subtitle button. On the move we found this product a bit too big, but it really comes into its own when used in a car.

Our verdict

This is very much a case of horses for courses. The Venturer offers satisfactory performance and great value for money, albeit in a rather large and heavy package. Whereas the Panasonic is compact and oozes quality in both its build and picture quality, but at a price. If money is no option then the Panasonic would win hands down, but on a budget you'd find the Venturer hard to beat.

Both products are available from most high street electrical stores.