By Chris Nicholls
SYDNEY: Philips Australia has launched two new portable DVD players as it seeks to consolidate its market share lead.
The PET722 (RRP $249) and the PET718 (RRP $319) both use 7-inch LCD display screens, with the PET718 designed for in-car entertainment, with a second screen and car-mounts, and the PET722 designed as a standalone player.
The PET718 uses a ‘Smart Car Mount’ for both the player and screens to ensure safety, with a quick-release arm to remove the player when not in use. It also has twin headphone sockets to match the twin screens.
Philips claims 2.5 hours battery life when not attached to the charger.
The PET722 uses a tablet-style rotating screen and can play the usual disc formats. Rare in the portable DVD market, it uses a sliding front loader design for the disc tray.
Battery life for the PET722 is a claimed two hours.
The PET718 is available now, while the PET722 will be available from May.
Philips claimed the number one spot in portable DVDs in April 2007, and increased share by 15 per cent in value from December 2006 to December 2007. Philips has three players in the top ten purchased units in Australia in December 2007.