Reviews for Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7-Inch LCD

Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7-Inch LCD by Initial Technology

Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7-Inch LCD Our Price: $279.97
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Category: CE
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Digital camera reviews of Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7-Inch LCD

Digital camera Review: Don't bother with this DVD player
Summary: 1 Stars

I thought I would give this model a try because of the low price. When I got it, it didn't work. Specifically, the screen remained black and would not play any video even though the DVD was whirring inside. I explained the situation to Amazon and they are going to cheerfully refund my money, plus shipping charges for the return. Because of the glowing reviews, I am going to buy the Panasonic instead and not waste any more time with this less expensive model.

p.s., Received the Panasonic DVD player today from Amazon (February 3, 2004). Just as the reviews said, it is fantastic. So glad I substituted this Panasonic model for the cheaper brand. Well worth the higher price.


Digital camera Review: Don't buy Initial
Summary: 1 Stars

Had problems with the picture going out and the unit just quitting. We were trying to figure out what the problem was instead of just sending it back (at first we thought it was just the car charger). We finally figured out that the part where you plug all the adapters in was loose and called initial. We were just out of our 90 day warranty when we called, and they wouldn't honor it. Found them very rude in the world of customer service.

Digital camera Review: Don't buy Initial - Consider another brand
Summary: 1 Stars

We bought the Initial IDM-1731 7" unit, and played 3 movies before it quit working - it either wouldn't read the DVD, or it would freeze in the midst of playing a movie. We got a replacement unit, and it played just 2 movies before it quit working - same problems as the first unit. I called Initial Technical Support, and they tried to troubleshoot the problem over the phone. They asked if the DVD was rubbing as it spun in the tray (it didn't), and that was about the extent of the support. The Technical Support person said there no recalls on the unit. We took the second unit back to Circuit City, and got our money back. They told us that 5 units had been returned the previous day. They also said that the 8" unit had problems. I would recommend another brand - we decided to buy a 7" Sony, and it works great. Yes, it costs more, but in this case you get what you pay for. The Initial unit is inexpensive, but is not worth the price. Many people are having problems with them - go visit the Circuit City website, and read reviews from others who purchased this unit. As with any electronic device, there will be lemons, but in this case, there are far too many lemons. Spend a bit more money, and get a reliable unit. For those of you who have not had problems - I am happy for you - you are lucky.

Digital camera Review: Don't review this item for at least 30 days!
Summary: 2 Stars

I have seen plenty of reviews on this item, and I must say that I wish I would have seen them before I purchased it. All of the negative reviews have all happened to me too. The problem is, it takes longer than just a few times of using it for the problems to arrive, they start after the warranty is up. Every positive review this player gets is from people who have just purchased it. The most annoying thing is that the picture freezes up and you have to keep resetting the movie. This was frustrating to me, but even more to my kids. We purchased this player because it was the cheapest we could find. We have now decided that you should not buy a DVD player by that criteria. Spend a little extra money, and save yourself the trouble.

Digital camera Review: Don't waste your $ on the Initial IDM-1731
Summary: 1 Stars

The unit worked well for about 6 hours of playing time. By well I mean the screen sharpness was okay but not great, audio volume was poor unless boosted by an external amp. Finally it died! In the middle of loading a disc the video driver succumbed and all I get now is a blurr of multi color stripes. Contacting Initial either by email or telephone is a complete waste of time. If you wait on hold the line simply goes dead. They do not return calls or emails. Kiss away whatever you pay for this piece of junk.
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