Oritron DVD Player 4119: Product Review

Imagine, if you will. You have a basic cable television package. You live in an era where network television is dominated by awful reality programs (except, perhaps, for "The Bachelor"), and of the thirteen remaining non-network channels in said basic cable package, two are foreign language, one is CSPAN, and the other seems to cycle through nothing but infomercials. (I can already hear Bowser's cartoonish voice in my head, reminiscing about all things '50's to the catchy hooks of Malt Shop Memories, greased hair, Converse, song titles scrolling down the screen). This is reality. For many folks unable to spring for a heftier selection of channels, the basic cable regime disappoints. This is especially true during summer rerun season. So what is the obvious solution? Trade in the TimeLife and watch some movies!

First, you will need a DVD player. The Oritron DVD player (model 4119) is an unbelievably cheap option - so cheap, in fact, that I wondered if it would actually play movies...without overheating in the process. I found the Oritron at the local K/Wal-mart for under twenty dollars. This little machine silenced my doubts from the very beginning, and many movies later, it continues to impress as a budget-friendly DVD player. Consider, also, that this electronic device has been subject to intense temperature swings due to a slightly less reliable air conditioning unit. The Oritron works in the comfort of a seventy degree room, and perseveres through the sweltering challenge of a one hundred degree room.

The Oritron is lean and functional, light as a feather. It comes with a remote control. Should that remote go missing, you will still be able to press Play, Pause, Stop, and Eject on the actual unit; however, scrolling through the main menu to watch the director's commentary or relive the trailer may not be an option. About 75% of the time, the Eject button does live up to its name. The other 25% of the time, you may have to press the button a few more times (gently) to release the DVD tray. You might also note that this little player is fairly warm after a typical two hour movie. That being said, be sure to turn off the power when finished. And, it could be wise to take a brisk walk and let the device cool down before you proceed to The Two Towers, and finally, The Return of the King.

Over three years later, the Oritron DVD player lives on. For a device lacking the bells and whistles of so many more expensive DVD players, the sufficient image quality, sound, price, and ease of use make the Oritron worthy of this writer's approval.