A digital photo frame looks like a picture frame but can display many photos that have been loaded on to the device in a digital format. The most basic digital frames usually display a group of photos on a LCD screen in a slideshow format, much like a slideshow of photos on your computer. With the increase in digital camera use, these frames have become a very popular way of viewing digital photos.
Over the past few years, these photo viewing devices have developed into multi-dimensional products that offer the consumer a vast array of features. Photos can be loaded from your camera’s memory card and can be stored internally. Some frames can connect directly to your computer through a USB connection, others can receive photos wirelessly.
In addition to displaying photos, digital frames can now display videos, MP3 audio files and even text files. In the beginning, these products were used most often in the home, to display family photos. Now corporations are using them for presentations, advertising and in many other ways to improve their buiness.
Digital frames come in many different sizes ranging anywhere from 7” up to 17”. You can also find mini photo frames that are used as a keychain! The most popular sizes are between 7 – 10 inches and are usually rectangular, displaying the photos in the standard 4:3 ratio that most prints are based on. Some models use the 16:9 ratio to give the photo display a widescreen look. Most frames will recognize the orientation of each photo and display it in either portrait or landscape format.
With some of the more advanced features such as built-in speakers and web browsers you can even stream radio music and receive text news feeds on your digital frame. With all the technological advancements, these frames appeal to techie types who enjoy looking at their photos. They are also popular with the less technology- savvy person, who just wants to be able to view photos without constantly searching through their computer files or having to print out the photos and organize them in albums.
Most people would agree that this invention is here to stay and will probably become even more advanced and versatile as time goes on. Digital photo frames are a great idea for the home, for businesses and to give as gifts to family and friends that we like to share photos with.