Remote-controlled digital home pictures
Thursday, December 27, 2007
EVERY living room is decorated with a picture or two either on the wall or on shelves to remind them of special moments. Now, thanks to digital photo frames, people can display far more of those special moments. One frame can store multiple photographs and cycle through them all.
Essentially, photo frames are flat-screen displays with an ornamental display. They are displayed like standard photo frames, on the wall or on a shelf. A menu system allows you to chose which pictures to display. Experts do not recommend buying low-end versions of the frames because of poor picture quality.
"You can choose to display individual pictures or let the frame display a slide show. You don't need a connection to your computer to transfer the photos," says Constanze Clauss of PIV, the Frankfurt- based Photo Industry Association.
Prices have recently dropped to less than €100 ($209).
But price shouldn't be the only factor when choosing a photo frame. "Brand name displays deliver good quality. With the cheaper versions, you have to expect some loss in quality," says Thomas Stojke from Home of Hardware, an online retailer based near Augsburg.
Regardless of the frame's size, it's important to have good resolution. The higher the pixel count, the more detailed the image presentation, explains Littschwager.
Seven-inch frames should have a pixel count of at least 480 x 234.
Most of the frames have a slot for photo cards so pictures can be downloaded. But not all photo formats are recognised, notes Stojke. Often, there's also an extra port for USB sticks.
A big hard drive is always a good idea. Some models offer up to 1 gigabyte of capacity while others offer much more.
Nevertheless, Stojke recommends reducing your pictures resolution on a computer before transferring them to the frame. That will free up more space in the frame's memory.
The only drawback of digital frames is that without an external power supply, they probably won't work for long.
"Battery life, if that's an option, only allows a few hours running time." said Littschwager. But most frames can be plugged in. If placed on a shelf, the cord should be easy to hide. But, if mounted on a wall, the cord is likely to be prominent.DPA
Essentially, photo frames are flat-screen displays with an ornamental display. They are displayed like standard photo frames, on the wall or on a shelf. A menu system allows you to chose which pictures to display. Experts do not recommend buying low-end versions of the frames because of poor picture quality.
"You can choose to display individual pictures or let the frame display a slide show. You don't need a connection to your computer to transfer the photos," says Constanze Clauss of PIV, the Frankfurt- based Photo Industry Association.
Prices have recently dropped to less than €100 ($209).
But price shouldn't be the only factor when choosing a photo frame. "Brand name displays deliver good quality. With the cheaper versions, you have to expect some loss in quality," says Thomas Stojke from Home of Hardware, an online retailer based near Augsburg.
Regardless of the frame's size, it's important to have good resolution. The higher the pixel count, the more detailed the image presentation, explains Littschwager.
Seven-inch frames should have a pixel count of at least 480 x 234.
Most of the frames have a slot for photo cards so pictures can be downloaded. But not all photo formats are recognised, notes Stojke. Often, there's also an extra port for USB sticks.
A big hard drive is always a good idea. Some models offer up to 1 gigabyte of capacity while others offer much more.
Nevertheless, Stojke recommends reducing your pictures resolution on a computer before transferring them to the frame. That will free up more space in the frame's memory.
The only drawback of digital frames is that without an external power supply, they probably won't work for long.
"Battery life, if that's an option, only allows a few hours running time." said Littschwager. But most frames can be plugged in. If placed on a shelf, the cord should be easy to hide. But, if mounted on a wall, the cord is likely to be prominent.DPA
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