Grouptronics GT-MICRO-DVD: Small Mini Multi Region HDMI DVD Player
Product description
What it is
The Grouptronics GT-MICRO-DVD is a compact HDMI-enabled DVD player designed to sit beside your TV, projector, or even in a camper van. On paper it upsamples standard DVD discs to 1080p for noticeably improved picture, using a MediaTek MTK1389G chipset with an integrated antishock and error correction system. It’s also a multi-region player, meaning discs from most regions (1–6) should play without issue.
Core capabilities
This little box supports a range of formats beyond standard DVDs. It can read DVD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW and DVD-R/RW, plus it can handle MP4, MOV, AVI (including Xvid), MPG and other MPEG formats. It can also play MP3 audio and display JPG/JPEG photos. You can use either the included HDMI cable to connect to a TV or projector, or rely on playback from a connected USB flash drive.
Size, power and setup
Measuring roughly 15.5 cm by 14 cm by 3 cm and weighing about 275 g, it’s small enough to tuck behind a TV, sit on a shelf, or Velcro to the back of a monitor. Power is supplied via the included USB cable, so in practice you’ll likely run it from a TV’s USB port or a nearby USB adaptor. This approach keeps setup simple and avoids extra power bricks.
Who it’s for
If you need a portable, discreet DVD option for a home cinema, a projector setup, or a vehicle and camping scenario, this model aims to fit. Its compact form factor makes it easy to position in tight spaces or mount out of sight. It’s also appealing for families with diverse disc collections thanks to its multi-region capability.
What stands out vs what to watch
On the plus side, you get multi-region playback, a broad format range, and a tiny footprint. The dedicated UK warranty support adds reassurance. On the flip side, the device focuses on standard‑def discs and file formats rather than 4K or high‑end Blu‑ray features, and there is a reliance on USB power. If you prioritise peak video quality or a built‑in media server, this model may fall short.
Before you buy
Check that your TV or projector can accept an HDMI input from a small player and that you have a convenient USB power source. Consider whether you’ll primarily watch classic DVDs or use the USB playback for MP4/MOV files. If your disc library is heavily regional or you frequently travel to places with different formats, the multi‑region capability becomes a genuine convenience.
Practical use case
Imagine watching a family DVD on a projector in a living room, with the player sitting neatly on a shelf and powered from the TV’s USB port. The small footprint means no clutter around the entertainment centre, and the upscaling to near‑Blu-ray quality helps when your source material isn’t native HD.
The buying decision
Is it worth it?
Worth considering if you want a tiny, versatile DVD player that works with a wide range of discs and formats, plus handy USB playback, without committing to a larger unit. It makes sense for travellers, campers, or anyone looking to squeeze a compact device into a small space.
FAQ
- Can it play discs from different regions? Yes, it’s a multi‑region (region free) DVD player.
- What about USB playback? It supports playing from a USB flash drive in supported formats.
- How is the power supplied? Via the included USB power cable, you’ll need a USB port or USB adaptor.