Must Have Checklist: Choosing a Digital Photo Frame

Vivid digital photos lose some of their magic in print – there’s no backlight to give them life, and the glass in traditional frames can produce annoying glare. Digital photo frames reveal the true character of your pictures by using an LCD screen (like a computer monitor) to show off the details, colors and contrasts of your photos as you intended them to be seen.

In addition to doing your photography justice, digital photo frames allow you to rotate the display of many different photos without having to change them out like a traditional frame.  Some can be picked up and handed around, all the while grabbing pictures wirelessly from your computer. No printing, no ordering, no cropping, and you can edit your photos on your PC with touch-up software to make them look their best.

 Features of Digital Photo Frames

·         Display sizes vary greatly from keychain-size to over-the-couch 32-inch frames and even larger. Desktop sizes are around 7-10 inches

·         Many frames sport anti-glare glass

·         Frames are usually thin and light – the largest weigh around 40 pounds

·         Resolution is important – 800 x 600 is considered standard,  640 x 480 is high resolution and looks like an LCD TV, resolutions for big frames can get up to 1366 x 768

·         Common image formats such as .jpg, .bmp and progressive .jpg are usually supported

·         Some frames not only play photos, but video files such as .mpg as well

·         Frames that play .mp3 audio files allow you to play music or personal voice recordings

·         Most frames come with a rechargeable battery

·         Slideshow features allow you to animate transitions between pictures

·         USB  jacks are used to connect to your computer, Flash drive or camera to load pictures

·         Higher-end models wirelessly connect to your PC and choose photos from your computer according to date, or tags that you assign

·         Some frames come with wireless remotes

·         Viewing hours can be set with some frames to save power when not in use

·         Frames can be turned vertically or horizontally

·         The actual frame part that surrounds the viewing area can come in different colors and patterns that are easily swapped out

·         Frames that use memory cards allow you to increase the storage capacity (at additional cost) so that you can store as many photos, videos and MP3s as you like

·         Printing wirelessly can be done with some frames and compatible printers

·         Average cost for a keychain-size digital photo frame is $30-$50, desktop sizes can cost from $50-$200, and big frames run between $500 and $800

Keep in Mind

·         Look for frames that have anti-glare glass

·         A rechargeable battery allows you to pass the frame around without struggling with a cord

·         Check to make sure the rechargeable battery can be replaced, or your frame may become worthless once the battery life finally runs out

·         Frames should run silently

·         Compare viewing angles to get the best view from different areas of a room. Frames with “active matrix” will have better viewing angles

With frame styles that vary from highly modern to formal, rustic to whimsical, digital photo frames make an excellent gift or addition to your home décor.