I remember it vividly. A family road trip, somewhere between state lines, with hours of highway still stretching out before us. The initial excitement had long since faded, replaced by the monotonous drone of tires on pavement and the increasingly frequent chorus of “I’m bored” from the backseat. We had tried everything: travel games, snacks, sing-alongs. But the digital-age attention spans of my children were no match for the analog simplicity of the open road. It was on that trip, wrestling with a tablet that had lost its Wi-Fi signal an hour ago, that I realized we needed a better, more reliable solution. We needed a self-contained entertainment system that didn’t depend on cellular data or streaming subscriptions—a way to bring the comfort and quality of our home movie collection into the car. This quest for peaceful travel is what led me to explore the unique market of portable media players, and specifically, the promise of high-definition entertainment on the go.
What to Consider Before Investing in a Portable Blu-ray Player
A portable Blu-ray player is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for reclaiming sanity on long journeys. It solves the fundamental problem of keeping passengers, particularly children, happily engaged for extended periods. The primary benefit over tablets or smartphones is its independence. It requires no internet connection, no data plan, and no downloaded files that mysteriously become corrupted. You simply insert a disc—be it a high-definition Blu-ray, a classic DVD, or even a music CD—and press play. This reliability is its greatest strength, ensuring that entertainment is always on hand, whether you’re driving through a remote national park or stuck in traffic on the interstate.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent planning a family vacation, an RV owner outfitting their mobile home, a long-haul trucker, or anyone who values the superior picture and sound quality of physical media and wants to enjoy it away from their living room. It’s a fantastic bridge for those with extensive disc collections they don’t want to leave gathering dust. However, it might not be suitable for those who have fully embraced a streaming-only lifestyle and have no physical media. It’s also not for the home theater purist seeking 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, as those features are reserved for stationary, high-end home units. For the dedicated streamer, a tablet with ample offline storage might suffice, but they’ll miss out on the pristine quality of a Blu-ray disc.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: For a portable player, size and form factor are paramount. Consider the screen size—are they large enough for comfortable viewing without being too bulky? The SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player boasts two generous 10.1-inch screens, which is a significant advantage. Also, evaluate the mounting system. A secure and easy-to-install headrest mount is non-negotiable for in-car use.
- Performance & Media Compatibility: The core function is media playback. True Blu-ray support is the standout feature here, offering 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, a massive leap in quality over standard portable DVD players. Check for backward compatibility with DVDs and CDs, and look for a USB port, which adds immense versatility by allowing you to play digital movie files, music, and photos from a thumb drive.
- Build Quality & Durability: Portable electronics live a tough life. They are frequently handled, packed, and subjected to the bumps of the road. While most devices in this category feature a plastic construction to keep weight down, look for sturdy hinges and well-protected screens. A short warranty, like the 90-day period on this model, means you should handle the device with care from day one.
- Ease of Use & Power: The user interface should be intuitive, both on the device itself and via the remote control. A remote is essential for parents in the front seat to manage playback. Critically, understand the power source. Dual-screen models like this typically rely on a car’s 12V adapter and a wall adapter for home use, forgoing an internal battery to power two large screens simultaneously.
Keeping these factors in mind, the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player stands out in several areas, particularly in its rare combination of dual screens and Blu-ray capability. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD as well as DVD discs
- Compact Size: Space-saving design allows this Blu Ray DVD player for tv to fit neatly in narrow spaces and on thin racks. Dimensions: Approx. 9 5/8" W x 1...
- See the unrivalled visual clarity of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
First Impressions: Unboxing the SYLVANIA SDVD1087
The arrival of the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player was met with anticipation. The box itself is utilitarian, showcasing the product and its key features. Inside, each component was neatly secured. Our unit arrived complete with the main player screen, the secondary monitor, a remote control, adjustable headrest mounting straps, a 12V car power adapter, a standard AC wall adapter, and the crucial cable to connect the two screens. We always recommend inspecting the contents immediately, as with any online purchase, to ensure all accessories are present and accounted for. The first thing we noticed was the build quality. The unit is constructed from a lightweight matte black plastic. It doesn’t feel premium, but it feels practical and sturdy enough for its intended purpose—it’s designed to be functional, not a luxury item. The screens themselves are the main event, and at 10.1 inches, they feel substantial and promise an immersive experience far superior to the tiny screens of yesteryear’s portable DVD players.
Advantages
- True Blu-ray playback offers stunning 1080p Full HD resolution on the go.
- Generous dual 10.1-inch screens are perfect for two rear-seat passengers.
- Versatile media support includes Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and files via USB.
- Includes all necessary accessories for in-car installation right out of the box.
Limitations
- The 90-day manufacturer warranty is shorter than we’d like to see.
- Plastic construction is functional but lacks a premium feel.
Putting the Sylvania SDVD1087 to the Test: A Mile-by-Mile Performance Analysis
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a device like the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player is how it performs in its native environment: the car. We put this unit through its paces on a multi-hour drive, testing every feature from screen quality to installation ease, to see if it truly is the road trip solution it claims to be.
Screen Quality and Viewing Experience: Is 1080p on the Go a Game-Changer?
Absolutely, yes. This is the single biggest differentiator for the Sylvania player. For years, portable players were stuck in the 480p standard-definition era, which looked fuzzy and dated even on a small screen. Making the leap to Full HD 1920×1080 resolution is transformative. We fired up a Blu-ray of a visually dense animated film, and the difference was night and day. Colors were vibrant and popped off the screen, details in the animation were crisp and clear, and there was a depth to the image that standard DVDs simply cannot replicate. The 10.1-inch LCD screens are bright enough to combat most daytime glare, a common issue in a car’s interior, though direct sunlight can still cause reflections. Viewing angles were surprisingly decent; passengers sitting slightly off-center could still get a good view without significant color distortion. The second screen perfectly mirrored the main unit’s output with no discernible lag or loss in quality, ensuring both viewers get the exact same high-quality experience. We then tested a standard DVD, and while the player did an admirable job of upscaling the image, the inherent superiority of the Blu-ray source material was obvious. The ability to play our high-definition movie collection without compromise is, for us, the primary reason to choose this player over any other portable option.
Installation and In-Car Practicality: From Box to Backseat in Minutes
A great entertainment system is useless if it’s a nightmare to set up. Thankfully, Sylvania has made the installation process for the SDVD1087 incredibly straightforward. The included headrest mounts consist of simple, durable fabric straps with Velcro and quick-release buckles. We were able to secure both the main player and the secondary monitor to the front seat headrests in under five minutes. The player unit slides securely into the mount, and the straps can be cinched tight to prevent bouncing and shaking during the drive. Cable management is the next step. The system uses three primary cables: the main power cord that plugs into the car’s 12V socket (cigarette lighter), a shorter power cord that connects the main unit to the second screen, and an AV cable that sends the video and audio signal to the second screen. The provided cables were sufficiently long for our mid-size SUV, allowing us to route them along the seats to keep them out of the way of feet. The main unit houses all the primary controls—play, pause, stop, volume—which are easy to access. However, the included remote control is the real hero here, allowing the driver or front passenger to control playback, navigate menus, and adjust volume without having to turn around, which is a massive plus for both convenience and safety.
Media Versatility: More Than Just a Disc Player
While Blu-ray playback is the headline feature, the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player proves to be a versatile media hub. Its backward compatibility is flawless; it played every DVD and music CD from our collection without a hitch. This is crucial for families who have a large library of older kids’ movies on DVD. The real surprise, however, was the capability of the side-mounted USB port. We loaded a 64GB thumb drive with a variety of video files to test its limits. We were thrilled to find it handled common formats like .MP4 and .AVI files with ease. The ability to play digital files means you can consolidate dozens of movies onto a single, tiny USB drive, saving a massive amount of space compared to carrying multiple disc cases. The onboard media player interface is basic but functional, allowing you to navigate folders and select files easily with the remote. Furthermore, each screen features its own headphone jack. This is an absolutely essential feature. It allows two children to watch the same movie but control their own volume with their own headphones, or for one passenger to watch while the other listens to music or sleeps. This simple inclusion prevents countless arguments and gives parents the gift of a quiet, peaceful drive. If you’re looking for a device that can handle your entire physical and digital media library on the road, this player’s versatility is worth a closer look.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience with the core functionality of the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player aligns with the general sentiment we’ve seen from other users. The standout praise is almost universally directed at its rare ability to play Blu-ray discs in a portable, dual-screen format. Many parents have called it a “lifesaver” on long family trips, emphasizing how the dual screens effectively put an end to backseat squabbles over a single device. The sharp, 1080p picture quality is consistently cited as a major upgrade from older portable DVD players. However, not all feedback is perfect. We came across a report from one user who had a negative experience with fulfillment, receiving what appeared to be a returned unit missing key accessories like the remote. While our test unit arrived new and complete, this serves as an important reminder for any online purchase: buy from a reputable seller and always inspect your package thoroughly upon arrival to ensure everything is present and in new condition as described.
How Does the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 Compare to the Competition?
It’s important to frame this comparison correctly. The SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player exists in a very specific niche. The alternatives provided are excellent products, but they are traditional home Blu-ray players designed for a living room, not a vehicle. This makes the comparison one of use-case rather than a direct feature-for-feature battle.
1. Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player
Samsung BD-J5700 Curved Blu-ray Player with Wi-Fi (2015 Model)
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The Samsung BD-J5700 is a fantastic budget-friendly choice for a home entertainment setup. Its key advantages over the Sylvania are its built-in Wi-Fi and access to streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube. This makes it a smart hub for a secondary TV in a bedroom or den. However, it completely lacks portability. It has no screen and requires a constant connection to a TV and a wall outlet. Someone would prefer this Samsung player if their primary goal is to add Blu-ray and streaming capabilities to a home television on a tight budget. It is not, and was never intended to be, a travel companion.
2. Samsung UBD-M8500/ZA 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player
SAMSUNG UBD-M8500/ZA 4K UHD Blu-Ray Player
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This Samsung model represents the next tier of home cinema. Its standout feature is its ability to play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, offering four times the resolution of the Sylvania’s 1080p Full HD. It also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) for superior color and contrast. This player is built for the dedicated movie enthusiast with a 4K HDR television who wants the absolute best picture quality possible in their home theater. It is a premium, stationary device. For in-car viewing on a 10.1-inch screen, its 4K capabilities would be irrelevant and it lacks the screen and portability that are the Sylvania’s entire reason for being.
3. Samsung Blu-ray DVD Player with Wi-Fi
Samsung Blu-ray DVD Disc Player with Built-in Wi-Fi 1080p & Full HD Upconversion, Plays Blu-ray...
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Similar to the BD-J5700, this Samsung player is another solid choice for home use. It provides reliable 1080p Blu-ray and DVD playback and includes built-in Wi-Fi for access to online streaming content. It’s a workhorse player designed to connect to your TV and stay there. Its strengths are its smart features and its role as a central media hub for a living room. A buyer would choose this over the Sylvania if they have no need for portability and simply want an affordable and effective way to play Blu-ray discs and stream content on their home television.
The Final Verdict: Is the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 the Right Choice for Your Family?
After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear. If your primary need is a reliable, high-quality entertainment system for travel, the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player is not just a good option; it’s one of the best and only options of its kind. Its unique combination of true 1080p Blu-ray playback, two generously sized screens, and user-friendly in-car setup places it in a class of its own. It single-handedly solves the problem of keeping multiple passengers entertained on long journeys without relying on spotty internet or the limitations of a single tablet.
While the plastic build is purely functional and the 90-day warranty could be longer, these are minor trade-offs for the immense value it provides. It flawlessly bridges the gap between your physical media collection and your life on the road. For families, RV owners, and frequent travelers, this device is an investment in peace and quiet. It’s a resounding success that delivers on its promise of a premium mobile cinema experience.
If you’ve decided the SYLVANIA SDVD1087 10.1″ Dual Screen Portable Blu-ray DVD Player is the right fit for your travel needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API