How To Select Your Digital Photo Frame
Digital photo frames are becoming more and more popular, and it’s not hard to see why. They have much greater functionality than conventional frames which are only able to display one snapshot at a time and – when you consider the cost of printing out hard copies of photographs – are a more costly option.
Some digital photo frames incorporate video, audio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and other features may well be included. All digital frames allow you to create your own slideshows, often with transitions, which will let you display all your snapshots using one frame. On a cost per photograph, digital frames are much more effective than traditional ones.
And, on the subject of cost, the LCD technology utilised by these frames is also falling in cost which means that the digital frames can now be found at very affordable prices. However, before you rush out and buy one, here are a few pointers that you may wish to consider:
Choose Your Frame To Suit The User
A high percentage of digital picture frames are purchased as gifts, often for elderly relatives who will enjoy viewing pictures of their children and grandchildren. Some digital frames have additional features such as full web browsers, web radio, text news feeds, Wi-Fi etc. Apart from increasing functionality, these additional features can also mean that the user interface is more complex – and perhaps more confusing. Clearly these extra bells and whistles also lead to a significantly greater price tag.
So, if your intended gift recipient is only interested in looking at pictures, you may be better to go for a simpler frame which might not only save you money but be more likely to be used on a regular basis. More technologically savvy users may enjoy web enabled features of course.
Remember: Brand Name May Not Be A Guarantee Of Quality
You would quite possibly be surprised at the low quality images displayed by some of the lower level models produced by some very well known high street brand names. On the other hand, you would perhaps be surprised (for different reasons) at the quality of some less well known brand names. Check out consumer reports – or see the frame in operation before you buy.
Choose The Correct Resolution
The most commonly chosen frame size is seven inches. It’s a good compromise between size and cost – and it also corresponds with a normal traditional frame or photograph size. It’s what you expect to see in other words.
For a frame of this size you should be looking for a resolution of no less than 640 X 480 pixels. Anything lower than this will give you blocky, pixelated, images. There’s no point in saving money if the quality of the picture is too low for your intended use.
Choose The Correct Aspect Ratio
Digital photo frames usually come in two aspect ratios; 4:3 and 15:9. Most digital cameras produce digital images in 4:3 ratio so a frame with this setting will be the best for displaying your images. If you use a 15:9 frame then the top and bottom of your images will be cropped in order to fit on the screen. Alternatively you can manually manipulate your images before displaying them and crop them to suit.
The Image Is Not The Complete Picture
Top quality image reproduction is important but you may have other considerations that need to be taken into account. Ease of use and functionality may also be important items for you. The menu system and control interface ease of use can vary a lot from one frame to another and you may want to review that before making your final selection. Integrated Wi-Fi, which allows you to transfer pictures using your home may also be something that you would consider worthwhile. If you are technically minded then you could consider setting up a frame at your parent’s house which has the facility to download images from file sharing networks on the internet. You might just need something as simple as a timer which switches the frame off when not in use or a frame with its own internal power source for use when travelling perhaps.
These are just a few pointers for you. Consider the end user and the most likely application and take some time to review your alternatives and you’ll be able to find a good, value for money, frame which will display your photos in a economic manner for a long time to come.
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