{"id":8,"date":"2009-09-06T18:17:00","date_gmt":"2009-09-07T01:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/2009\/09\/06\/digital-picture-frames-what-to-look-for-interesting-uses-for-them\/"},"modified":"2009-09-06T18:17:00","modified_gmt":"2009-09-07T01:17:00","slug":"digital-picture-frames-what-to-look-for-interesting-uses-for-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/digital-picture-frames-what-to-look-for-interesting-uses-for-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Picture Frames: What to Look For & Interesting Uses for Them"},"content":{"rendered":"
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B<\/span><\/span><\/strong>efore the popularity of digital pictures, I once went to a scrap-booking party where the host asked us “how do you store your pictures?”\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When it was my time to answer, I stated that my pictures were still in the paper envelopes the developer gave me — along with their negatives.\u00a0 I thought this was a good answer — a normal answer.\u00a0\u00a0There was silence in the room.\u00a0 Gulp. I realized right away, I was at the wrong party.<\/span><\/p>\n

No one was more excited than I when digital cameras became prevalent and affordable.\u00a0 I took pictures of anything and everything.\u00a0 When my children were born, I\u00a0snapped pictures of them for every week of the first year of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now I have thousands upon thousands of photos and I still don’t view them as often as I would like.\u00a0 So I wondered, “is now the time to buy a digital picture frame?”\u00a0Digital picture frames are are a great way to view your favorite pictures, family vacation pictures, baby pictures, well, you get the picture.\u00a0 You can display either one picture, or run a slide show of many pictures. <\/span><\/p>\n

I\u00a0have done\u00a0my homework on digital picture frames and have posted it here to help you.\u00a0\u00a0In this article I explain the features you should keep in mind when purchasing a digital picture frame as well as give some interesting uses of how this handy device can be used in your home or business.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>
\nWhat To Look For<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Size<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nToday’s digital picture frames range in size from 2 inches to up to 40 inches!\u00a0 Yes, that’s right, 40 inches!\u00a0 The most typical size purchased though is from 7 to 10 inches – big enough to display a 4×6 or 5×7 picture.\u00a0 The larger the size, the larger the price.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Decide where you want to place the digital picture frame first (and make sure it’s near a power source), then you’ll have a better idea of how big the screen should be for viewing.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>With digital picture frames, you have the option of buying a standard 4:3 aspect ratio size or widescreen 16:9 ratio.\u00a0 The 16:9 ratio will stretch your photos and\/or cut off your pictures.\u00a0 Most cameras produce pictures in the standard 4:3 ratio, so choose a picture frame with this standard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearance<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nDigital picture frames come in all sizes and looks.\u00a0 You can buy ones with metal, wood, or even plastic looking frames.\u00a0 Many models now come with interchangeable plates (frames) so you can choose the look that best works with your decor.\u00a0 There are two types of picture finish, matte and glass.\u00a0 A matte finish works best as a glass finish can create glare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Resolution<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nResolution refers to how many pixels are on the screen.\u00a0 The more pixels the better the clarity and richness of the picture.\u00a0 Lately, there have been a lot of good deals out there for digital picture frames.\u00a0 Prices have really come down these past few years.\u00a0 However, check the specs on the picture frame carefully.\u00a0 Many of these “great deals” have low resolutions which means poor display quality.\u00a0 Ensure the picture frame you buy is no lower than 640×480 in resolution.\u00a0 Typically, a 7 inch frame should have resolution of 720×480, an 8 inch should have 800×600 resolution, and frames over 10 inches should have at least 1024×768 resolution.(1)<\/span><\/span>
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\n<\/span>Display <\/span><\/span><\/strong>
\nThe best way to ensure you’ll like the digital picture frame is to test it out first.\u00a0 How does the picture quality look?\u00a0 Do the pictures look vibrant?\u00a0 Do the pictures load fast during the slide show?\u00a0 If you\u00a0back away 7 feet, can you see the picture fine?\u00a0 What if you move to the left and right, does the picture show well or is there glare?\u00a0 Most stores do not let you see the picture frame in action, so you might not be able to test this until you get the picture frame home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Power<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nAll digital picture frames need to be plugged into a wall outlet.\u00a0 Some models have an internal battery or allow for rechargeable batteries so you can pass your picture frame around the room to others without cables.\u00a0 To save money, look for an auto on\/off feature in a digital picture frame.\u00a0 Frames with this feature can be programmed to come on only at night but turn off at a certain hour.\u00a0 This is a great feature and will allow your frame to be enjoyed more.\u00a0 Otherwise, you either 1.) let the picture frame run day and night or 2.) you unplug it when you’re not using it – which is most of the time, thus not enjoying your picture frame and then you’ll forget about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enhanced Features<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nDigital picture frames can do more than just display pictures.\u00a0 Many frames also play songs (mp3’s) and videos. Consult the instructions on the box as to which type of formats the frame takes.\u00a0 Different brands accept different formats.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

By uploading mp3’s into your picture frame, you can now show your picture slide shows along with your favorite music.\u00a0 The speakers in the frame offer decent sound and guests are often surprised by the novelty of seeing your pictures along with the music.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video is another cool feature you can upload into your picture frame.\u00a0 You can upload any videos (ensure the format is supported by your picture frame).\u00a0 The possibilities are endless – home movies, music videos, movies, TV shows, you name it.\u00a0 Now you might ask, why would I upload TV shows to this small picture frame?\u00a0 I uploaded a Disney video the other day at a family party – my kids watched it while we all watch the USC football game.\u00a0 This way we all were in the room together.\u00a0 Yes, a DVD player would be easier but we didn’t have one with us.\u00a0 Nonetheless, the smooth playing of a video depends on the quality of the picture frame you purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main benefit here is having your home movies readily accessible to watch at a moment’s notice.\u00a0 If the digital picture frame’s internal memory you buy\u00a0is not large, this is not a problem.\u00a0 You can add your home videos to a large memory card and plug it into your digital picture frame.\u00a0 The video will still play very well.\u00a0 One possible\u00a0 beauty here is taking your digital picture frame with the included cables on the road, and playing back the pictures and video on a TV.\u00a0 I haven’t tested this but I have to believe it’s possible, it just makes sense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most digital picture frames come with a remote control so you can change pictures or settings without getting up from the couch.\u00a0 You’ll want to keep the remote nearby as some of the digital picture frame’s functions can only be accessed by the remote control.<\/span>
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\nHow Pictures are Imported<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nSurprisingly enough, there are several ways to input your pictures into a digital picture frame:\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n