Digital photo frames are a great way to get your photos out on display. Don’t keep rolls of film, or memory sticks for that matter, stashed away in drawers – get your photos out on display so that everyone can enjoy them.
Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to digital photo frames so that you can choose the best one for you:
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is just the ratio of width to height of an image. When it comes to digital photo frames, the two most commonly used aspect ratios are 4:3 (sometimes referred to as 4×3, 1.33:1 or standard) and 16:9 (also known as 16×9, 1.78:1 or widescreen). Some frames have the ability to display both aspect ratios.
Most pictures that you take using digital cameras will have an aspect ratio of 4:3. If you select a frame with an aspect ratio of 16:9, then your standard photos will either be stretched or cropped.
If you come across an aspect ratio of 15:9, or maybe 16:10, no need to worry. To all intents and purposes, you can consider such frames to be widescreen (16:9) format.
Screen Resolution
Resolution is measured by pixels. Higher resolution will produce a better viewing angle (you will be able to see the image on the frame from the side). Larger frames should have better resolution, otherwise some pictures may look “blocky”.
Here’s a recommended guide to minimum resolution based on frame size:
7″ – 720 x 480 pixels (or higher)
8″ – 800 x 600 pixels
10″ – 1024 x 768 pixels
15″ – 1600 x 1200 pixels
Power Source
Most digital photo frames available on the market these days will require to be connected to a mains power supply in order to work. that might mean that you will have trailing cables, unless you tuck them away that is.
However, there are some frames which are powered by battery. That might be more convenient for you if you want to mount them on a wall and avoid visible wires.
You can also get frames which have timers so that you can turn the power off automatically when you don’t want to view them. That can be a handy function – if you’re frame is on your desk at work, for example, you could set it so that it switches off outside of office hours.
Image Transfer And Storage
There are a variety of different ways in which photos and images can be transferred to, and subsequently displayed on, digital photo frames. These include memory cards, memory sticks, USB cables (for connection to either a computer or a digital camera), internet connection and bluetooth. The most common method is a memory card, and transferring files in this manner is as simple as using windows file manager.
File type: Make sure that your frame supports the type of file that you want to transfer. This is as simple as checking what the output of your digital camera is. Some of the most commonly used files are JPEG, MPEG-4, MPEG-1, MP3, AVI, BMP, MPEG-2, WMA, EXIF, TIFF, WMA, WMV, PPT, PNG, MOV, GIF, or DivX. If your frame can handle JPEG, BMP or TIFF you will probably find it easy to get your photos on display.
Remote Management
Some frames will, if you find it a desirable feature, allow you to update content and add new photos remotely using an internet connection. This can be a good option if you would like to send new photos to relatives or friends.
User Interface
Most screens come with remote control these days. These are generally fairly easy to use. However, because digital photo frames make such great gifts, especially for relatives, you should try to make sure that the user interface is simple to use – especially if your frames is intended for elderly relatives. Look for controls which are clearly marked and a reasonable size.