The Packard Bell DVX460 is a DVD player that includes a number of interesting features. The chipset from ESS, the ES8380 Pheonix, drives the Packard Bell DVX 460 and seems to be a wise choice.

The device is low priced, around €69, so it is ideal for everyday users. The device was able to play back most of our test files without any problems. The DivX certified logo was confirmed from our tests, but the device cannot play DivX HD files. Xvid encoded files are not a problem either, since even advanced features like Qpel and GMC are fully supported. Mpeg1/2 files are not a problem, just don't use FF and RW as it puts the sound out of sync.

The most annoying problem with the player is that when it is connected via the component output to a HD TV, the display becomes distorted when fast forwarding or fast rewinding.

- The Good

• DivX and NeroDigital certified
• DTS output
• Used ESS ES8380 - can "handle" most Video and Audio formats
• Can recognize all CD/ DVD writable/re-writable media
• Supports progressive scan, via Component output
• Includes a USB1.1/2.0 interface, giving extra capabilities
• Supports Subrip (.srt) subtitles, only for specific languages
• Can upgrade its firmware
• Can become region free (partially?)
• Low priced

- The Bad

• Only max 12 characters are displayed for folder and file names
• Picture distorted when connected via Component and progressive scan is enabled in certain cases
• Not a lot of information displayed during playback of files
• Doesn't support most foreign languages (e.g. Greek) for filenames and subtitles