Audiovox VBP5000 Portable DVD and VCP Mobile Video System with 5.6" LCD
By: Audio-Technica Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 15
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 On: 2008-07-05
We purchased the unit with an extra screen to survive a 10 hour drive with 2 kids back in Fall 2003. It still works great and still keeps the kids quiet. Cost a lot more back then but I am please to say we have gotten our moneys worth many times over.
Great Purchase.
 On: 2007-08-07
I have had this for a while and gotten some good use out of it. However, once the remote died (It would cost $75 to replace) I have been unable to watch DVDs satisfactorily. There are buttons on the unit for going forward and back a scene, but no menu button and no buttons that let you navigate around menus (also no fast forward or rewind buttons). I tried to watch TV collections, but with some of them it is now impossible to view anything but the first show. If not for this issue, I would probably give the item four stars because of its versatility.
On: 2007-03-19
I was happy when I bought this, as this is very compact and useful to play both casette and dvd. But sooner, the casette player stopped working if I hookup the LCD monitor (I am thinking that this is because of the power input is not sufficient to play both LCD monitor as well as Casette). However, I can play DVD and view it in the LCD monitor.
If I do not use the attached LCD monitor, but redirect the output to a regular TV, then Casette works with out any problem.
When I contacted Audiovox (at probably 13th or 14th month), they told it is not covered under warranty so the flat price is around 100 dollars (did not remember exact amount), plus shipping charges.
So, did not opt to repair it and kept quiet.
 On: 2006-11-07
this the second one I bought. The first one came with an inoperable vcp (VCR without ability to record). I sent it back and got a refund. I bought the second one and the dvd did not "read the dvds. This time I sent it back to Audiovox and paid the 14.00 for shipping. They paid for the return shipping and it has been working well since that time.
Overall it is good for us to have both formats. The unit comes with great carrying bags and protective wrap for the screen. You have many options on how to atach it in your vehicle.
On: 2006-10-25
I have owned this product for about a year now. I also purchased the extra screen so each of my children would have their own to view. Unfortunately, I cant recommend this product. Within about 2 months, the second screen quit working. Within approximately 4 months the DVD player stopped altogether. Now were stuck with only the VHS portion of the player and one screen. Its better than nothing, but for what we spent on both items, it should have held up longer. And weve been very gentle with them too. Our previous vehicle had a dealership-installed system in it and I was hoping to get the same effect with this in our new SUV. Sorry to say, I think we should have opted for the installed system. Well know for next time. :/
 On: 2006-01-06
We bought it for long driving trips but on the first trip out, the unit stopped working after 2-3 hours. No signal connecting the screen and the unit. Had to return it (after driving it all the way to southern Cal from bay area and then back). Couldnt figure out what the problem was. Screen was ok because it powered up.
Very compact (although it weighs a lot -- help with the bouncing of the road.)
Wish someone would update the unit. Sure is nice for the kids.
On: 2006-01-05
We bought it for long driving trips but on the first trip out, the unit stopped working after 2-3 hours. No signal connecting the screen and the unit. Had to return it (after driving it all the way to southern Cal from bay area and then back). Couldnt figure out what the problem was. Screen was ok because it powered up.
Very compact (although it weighs a lot -- help with the bouncing of the road.)
Wish someone would update the unit. Sure is nice for the kids.
On: 2005-10-12
At first the Audiovox looks very good for the current low price, and since I dont know of any other product like it on the market I bought one. But after less than 2 months ownership the LCD display started flickering during play and at times the audio output is not even there until I start a DVD over a second time. If I had it to do over I think I would save my money!
 On: 2005-09-07
There are many more compact DVD units out there at this price but the built in VHS player meant we didnt need to replace all the kids classics at $10-$20 a title.
Great unit is you what VHS with DVD and can handle the size (SUV and Minivan ok). Its really a transportable home/car/hotel unit as it needs an external power supply.
A great feature when buying an additional screen means the kids can watch different movies ( one VHS one DVD) at the same time. Saves some heated discussions.
Great bundle but pass if you just want DVD.
On: 2005-09-02
We love the unit. Its versatility was exactly what we were looking for in a portable unit. The ability to play both format simultaneously is awesome. The unit is a bit on the bulky side but it can be managed easily. Weve place ours on the floor board of the second row seating....hooked the monitors on the driver and front passenger headrests. The picture and sound these monitors put out are great. The remote is easy to use and fully noted with what is what, etc. The carrying case is excellent with all its storage compartments for all the cords and hook ups. It plays CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and MP3s with no problem. I have even been able to play recorded DVDs that I made from my home DVD recorder. The cost of our entire new unit was less than 150.00 and that included an extra monitor which I able to find for less than a hundred bucks. If you pay more than 200 dollars for this unit...you have paid too much. There are tons of them out on the internet for less....and BRAND NEW at that! eBay stores has them up for offer at this price. I did my homework when it came to searching for this unit. I cant believe some retailers and wholesalers are still trying to sell it at the huge price of 500.00 and up. Look around -- you will be glad you did. My kids love this unit. We have tons of vhs tapes that we were about to just scrap and repurchase the dvd format ... thank goodness we didnt. You can use the unit in the house as an additional dvd/video player. We use it when we go camping in our camper. When we travel I bring it into the hotel room so the kids can still enjoy it. Heck, its used just about everyday. Ive had no problems with overheating when traveling on long trips. The adapter is long enough to reach the back seat or back cargo space cigarette lighter. Oh by the way...did I mention that you can also hook up a video game system. How cook is that? My oldest plays videos while my youngest one is still watching movies. No more whining over who has control over who had the remote first! A great buy for our family.
On: 2005-09-01
We picked this up recently, along with an additional screen. The picture looks great and sound is good too. While hanging it between two seats in the van put it too close to my toddler twins in bulky car seats, we were able to set the base between the two front seats and have them look down. Now heres the fun part: not only does it play VHS and DVD (presumably CDs and MP3s as well), it will also play CD+G Karaoke discs, making it a portable Karaoke system with one screen for the performer and one for the audience! Can you beat that? And such a great price. I tested several brands of CD+G discs and they all worked except for one. It even played a copied disc. Another great thing about this system is its portability. While it may seem a little heavy, youre getting VHS, DVD, two TV screens, and all the cords and adapters youll ever need. And everything is separately cased. How beautiful is that? I also love the fact that I can take it anywhere in the house to watch videos or practice Karaoke. Great fun and a great unit and system. Buy this now and enjoy for a long time!
On: 2005-08-28
i bought this for my kids (ages 2 and 4) to use while on a long roadtrip. it was great, picture and sound. They shared 1 monitor strapped between the 2 front seats. we didnt have to spend a lot of $ on new dvds because we already have an abundance of vhss. i am impressed with this product, the price is great!
On: 2005-08-25
We bought this unit for the same reason most customers would...for our 13 plus hour long trips to Florida with our kids. I love most because of its versatility to handle both video formats...dvds and vhs tapes! My 7 yr old dau - most of her favorite movies were on vhs and my 2yr old daughter movies were on dvd. We wanted something where we could have the best of both worlds and not have to hav 2 systems in the vehicle. This was it! This machine 3 yrs ago was a bit pricey...over 700 dollars, but you can find them for much cheaper...just have search the web a bit. Our price was less than 120.00...plus I was able to secure 2 extra monitors for less that 80.00 a monitor. Its simple to set up...the picture is clear...the volume is great. Now when we go on long trips...where as I use to read as my hubby drove -- I know crawl in the second seat area of our Surburban...grab the 3rd monitor and watch a dvd while our girls are in the 3rd row seating watching vhs tapes or vice versa. Now my husband can have the radio back! Its best thing weve purchased since buying the Surburban. A must have for the family trips
On: 2005-08-19
The Audiovox VBP5000 Portable DVD and VCP Mobile Video System with 5.6" LCD is a great buy! Its great for in the office, in the car for day trips, in the dorm, and on vacation. The sound is very good for a small unit and the picture quality is exceptional. I like having the choice of either DVD or VHS without having to deal with separate units to accomodate. The case is attractive and makes it all very portable (fairly light) with space to carry movies along with all the accessories: straps, connection cords, full sized remote control, etc. in zippered pockets or other compartments. Easy versatile set up. Easy to operate. Unbelievable price! I couldnt be more pleased!!!
by: Anonymous On: 2004-07-21
First off, Im not under 13, I over 35...I just dont have an Amazon.com account and didnt want to take the time to create one! Now, for the review:
I purchased this unit (actually the Eddie Bauer version at Target) along with an additional screen and two sets of headphones in December 2003. Cost was an issue but it was the ONLY unit I could find locally on short notice that had BOTH a DVD and a VHS player. It comes with AC and DC adapter, s-video connectors for the screens, straps, and a nice carrying case. The screens can be placed on the back of a car headrest, held in your hand, or attached to the base unit. The base unit is fairly heavy and bulky so dont forget to strap it down!
Our initial use of the system was on an 11 hour road trip from Denver to Kansas City and then 11 hours back. It wasnt 30 minutes into our trip before my 4 year old was asking if we were almost there! On came the movie and all was quiet. We used the unit that night for probably 8 hours straight and again for about the same amount of time on the return trip with no problems. After that the unit sat in a closet for 7 months until a couple of weekends ago when we used it for an 8 hour trip total. Again, no problems.
What I like about the unit?
First, you can play BOTH DVDs AND VHS tapes. In fact, if you have two screens you can even play BOTH at the same time, one on one screen and one on the other! You select the video source via a slide switch on the front of each screen. Of course you can also plays CDs etc if you want. I also believe you can connect up to 3 or 4 screens in total. I havent tried any home burned or copied movies so I cannot comment on how well the unit will work in this area.
Second, you can listen to the sound which is fairly good either through the speakers, headphones, or BOTH!
Third, the systems overall flexibility. You can actually use the screens separate from the base unit for other purporses; you can hook up a play station etc and use the system for game play while on the road; you can use the system at home via the AC adapter as a stand alone unit or as a DVD/VHS player; etc. etc. This is a VERY versatile system.
Video quality is good in my opinion. It is good enough for the kids and I watched two movies on it on our first trip without any problems. The screens have a brightness and volume control. The 5.6 inch screens are not very big but when the screen is only a few feet from your face on the back of a seat, it really does not have to be very big. Sound quality is good as well and the speakers will get louder than youll probably need.
Now for the negative:
Well, nothing too negative really. Like I said the system is pretty big and heavy, mostly due to the VHS player I believe. The base unit fits just perfect between the front seats of my Durango resting on the console but the cords are long enough that you could probably locate it in a lot of places. The carrying case is nice and holds two screens and all the stuff. But, due to the overall size it is probably not something you would want to haul with you on a plane to use on vacation.
With this system you will need a power source. That limits you to home or vehile use unless you wanted to REALLY get carried away and buy one of those portable power sources.
The only other thing I can think of is the headphones. I purchased the headphones that go with the system thinking they would be geared more towards a childs head size. Well, they are big on my now 5 year old so she has to hold them in place...I DO like the fact that they have a volume control on the headphone cord however.
All in all we have been VERY please with the unit and, knock on wood, we havent had any problems yet. If you need or want to play both DVDs and VHS tapes in one unit, this might be the only one still available. Plus, you really get much more. I hope the systems remains trouble free because I believe the system in total was around $800-$900 which is a lot of money to watch movies in your vehicle. But, given the units flexibility, you can use it for much more!
On: 2004-07-20
This little system is awesome. Beautiful uninterrupted or messed up pic on screen even when hitting major bumps. Color is EXCELLENT. Easy to set up and to take with you. Love it.
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