Probably the best around, despite minor failings

Having researched extensively online, there were very few in-car DVD players that met our requirements of:

1. Two big, clear screens
2. The ability to watch different DVDs at the same time, or the same DVD on both screens.
3. A USB and/or MemoryCard port to allow multiple movies to be carried around.

Only Nextbase products seemed to met all requirements, and the SDV685-AC appeared the best choice given the 8.5" screen size.

Upon opening the box, you are struck with how well thought-through the system is, with a good carrying case containing 2 of almost everything:
2 x 8.5" Players
2 x Headrest Mounts
2 x 100-230V AC power supplies (no additional supplies required for USA)
2 x 12v Car adapters (but no 1-plug-into-2-scocket splitter unfortunately)
2 x Remote controls (which operate either screen, more on this later!)
2 X Lithium battery packs

Plus every conceivable set of cables that you may need to connect the screens together or to a TV etc.

Good Points:

- Large, very clear screens with excellent contrast and colour saturation.
- Good build quality; the rubber-like case looks as if it will withstand the occasional 'splatter' that seems to occur in the back of cars!
- The quick-release mechanism allows screens to be removed easily from the headrest mounts which provided a good solid mount on our large headrests. Smaller headrests, or those with a curved back may benefit from using Nextbase mounts (not included) which firmly fix onto the headrest metal posts; however, at ~£25 each they need to be good!
- With the decent battery life, these DVD players operate as stand-alone systems for use during flights, buses or any other time you need to keep your kids amused.

Bad Points:
- Both remotes can operate either player. This has the advantage of being able to change the settings (volume for instance) of both players at the same time - but is a pain when attempting to change one of the players in close proximity to the other.
- Playback from the USB is the way ahead, as there's no need to attempt to change DVDs on the move, but ensure that you have decent DVD-compression software to avoid 'jittery' playback (DVDx Ultra works well and is free to download).
- Built in speakers lack bass and are not overly loud. HOWEVER, only a madman would drive with a blarring screen stuck behind his head - so a pair of headphones for each kid wins every day.


Overall, an impressive bit of kit that has lived up to expectation. Is it worth the extra money (~£70) to buy the 2-player 685AC as opposed to the player+slave screen 685AM...I think so, but at least you have the opportunity to choose either way (or choose 7" screens, as they are also available)

nextbase twin dvd players

We bought these to take on holiday for the kids to use in the car. We did consider the twin players where you have to watch the same thing but these dvd players are much better as you can use them together or separate. There is a lead which you can plug in the cigarette lighter and into each dvd player and a connect wire if you want them to be joined up. There is also a mains plug and rechargable battery pack if you want to watch them out of the car. There are car mounts and carry bags for both dvds. The picture and sound quality is good too and they seem easy to use. They even play multi region dvd's! Vey impressed with what you get for your money.

Great machine - one drawback.....

Dont get me wrong this is a fab machine, i use to have the Philips 7" version (which was great), i took delivery of this new 8.5" version today - the picture is excellent and the sound is good (i wont go into any detail - there are plenty of better more detailed reviews here). The only drawback (its small i know - but i noticed it stright away), is that you can not fast fwd of fast rewind with the buttons on the machine, you have to use the remote - the 7" version allowed you to control everthing without the romote. Dont get me wrong, i recommend it - but just thought you should know.