With the DVPFX1, you can watch DVD movies in 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios, and listen through the built-in speakers that flank the screen. Or purchase a pair of headphones, plug them into the headphone jack, and enjoy the SRS simulated surround mode in private. You can also listen to music CDs.

The DVPFX1 is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround formats. It has an optical digital audio output, so you can connect the DVPFX1 to a TV and use it as a standalone DVD player. Sony's DVPFX1 has composite and S-Video outputs, as well as a set of audio-video inputs that enable you to connect a camcorder and watch home videos on the 7-inch screen.

With its slim dimensions, the DVPFX1 is perfect for long airline flights and hotel rooms. It's also great for kids on long road trips. A custom parental control feature enables you to lock out up to 50 discs.

Advanced features include an onscreen video bit-rate meter that allows you to monitor MPEG-2 compression ratios, SmoothScan and SmoothSlow for forward and reverse searches, and Virtual Enhanced Surround. The player comes with a full- function remote and has basic control functions that are accessible from the top panel.