those digital picture frames...
Thread Starter
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Vancouver BC
those digital picture frames...
okay, so for Christmas I decided I was going to get one of those digital picture frames (to give to someone) ... the particular one I ordered from Costco.com is also portable (has a battery so you can carry it around)... which is what sold me on... anyway the idea was to load up a SD card with tons of pictures and give it to someone... I got it in the mail yesterday... dropped the SD card in... and the quality sucks! It takes at least 5-10 seconds just to go from one pic to another (loading time). The resolution's terrible... pictures are stretched out 
There's no way I'm going to give this to the intended person...
My question is... are quality all the same on these things?
I'm going to return it at Costco...
Do you guys have any experience with these things? Or know of a brand that's got better resolution?
fyi, I got her the 7" screen but if the smaller ones have better quality, I'd rather get that instead
There's no way I'm going to give this to the intended person...My question is... are quality all the same on these things?
I'm going to return it at Costco...
Do you guys have any experience with these things? Or know of a brand that's got better resolution?
fyi, I got her the 7" screen but if the smaller ones have better quality, I'd rather get that instead
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
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I had the same experience with one sometime in 2006.. was going to give it to someone as a gift. and I felt the same exact way! There's no way I could give this to anyone! I spent a good amount on it too :< I think it's resolution was pretty low though. It was my thinking that what you would ideally need to do is get one with a good resolution (like at least 800x600) and then resize all the pictures to that size. Yeah it's a PITA but I think that's what you have to do - maybe one of the much higher $$ are better at resizing but I think there are a LOT of crappy ones out there.
Secret Agent
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,298
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From: N Va
I've been wanting to get one of these as well. From what I've found out so far, you get what you pay for. The one my mom has is decent. It was quite pricey but all they had to do was load the photos and go. No resizing or anything and the resolution is great.
yeah i'm bored.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,128
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From: clifton, nj
Got one as a gift about two years ago from Brookstone, the quality is very good I'd say. Cost about $50 - $75 I think.
It does better with larger photos. If you have a small photo that it has to stretch to fit the frame, then it gets a little fuzzy.
There were lots of settings too, time between pics and all that. The transition from one pic to the next is very quick though, under a second I'd say.
It also plays mp3's, which is kind of retarted. It would be nice if the mp3 was a background to the pics, but it plays it as just a separate file. Meaning: one pic shows, then it goes black and plays the mp3 alone, than the music cuts off and it goes to the next pic. That's pointless.
It does better with larger photos. If you have a small photo that it has to stretch to fit the frame, then it gets a little fuzzy.
There were lots of settings too, time between pics and all that. The transition from one pic to the next is very quick though, under a second I'd say.
It also plays mp3's, which is kind of retarted. It would be nice if the mp3 was a background to the pics, but it plays it as just a separate file. Meaning: one pic shows, then it goes black and plays the mp3 alone, than the music cuts off and it goes to the next pic. That's pointless.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 853
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From: FAR northern Maine
I've just purchased a small desktop one (4x6 photo) with a digital clock, calendar, temperature, etc... The resolution is OK, *because the display size is small and I have mostly large, high-quality photos on my card* but my probelem is, it tilts back to be able to sit on my desk, like an easel, and the lighting from the ceiling glares off the frame and I can hardly see the photos, I've got it sort of "propped" more forward, but still it's hard to see. Just an FYI if somebody is buying one like this.
Creepy guy in the mirror.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,631
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From: Ontario, Canada
I have a 7" one that has less than tv resolution (480x234) when I first saw it I was really disappointed. I thought it was a complete waste of money.
But...
In reality how often do you sit and stare at a picture sitting on your end table and critique image quality. Typically they are used for memory photos and less than art photos. That being the case it is perfectly fine. The one I got serves it purpose very well - it sit on the window ledge and from time to time I glance over at it and smile at the image of the moment... Without even thinking of the details that are missed because of the abysmal resolution.
But...
In reality how often do you sit and stare at a picture sitting on your end table and critique image quality. Typically they are used for memory photos and less than art photos. That being the case it is perfectly fine. The one I got serves it purpose very well - it sit on the window ledge and from time to time I glance over at it and smile at the image of the moment... Without even thinking of the details that are missed because of the abysmal resolution.
Thread Starter
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,073
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From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by CorvettePoor
Go to Walmart photo center and look at the Kodak brand. They're a little pricey but are great quality.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
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after seeing this thread I checked around on digital frames and notice several on the market with "high definition" in their description.. might be what you're looking for.
Wow these really have erupted since the last time I really looked - B&H has 114 available!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/2...re_Frames.html
Wow these really have erupted since the last time I really looked - B&H has 114 available!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/2...re_Frames.html
yeah i'm bored.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,128
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From: clifton, nj
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Spectr.../dp/B000BP8AMY
That's the one I got. Out of stock, but maybe you can search the model # and find it somewhere else. I'm sure it's a bit outdated at this point, but it serves the purpose pretty well.
That's the one I got. Out of stock, but maybe you can search the model # and find it somewhere else. I'm sure it's a bit outdated at this point, but it serves the purpose pretty well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,204
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From: Hawaii
A couple things I can think of...
First, is the frame you bought a widescreen version or a 4x3? I notice they sell both types, and the ones that are widescreen will stretch out the picture if you camera takes normal 4x3 pictures.
Also, I used to have a digital camera that would save a thumbnail in addition to the regular picture. I was not aware of this until I printed a bunch of pictures at costco, and I ended up with 2 sets, one set was good, and the other was total crap due to the small size of the thumbnail.
First, is the frame you bought a widescreen version or a 4x3? I notice they sell both types, and the ones that are widescreen will stretch out the picture if you camera takes normal 4x3 pictures.
Also, I used to have a digital camera that would save a thumbnail in addition to the regular picture. I was not aware of this until I printed a bunch of pictures at costco, and I ended up with 2 sets, one set was good, and the other was total crap due to the small size of the thumbnail.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
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From: Ronkonkoma, NY
The digital picture frame I whipped together by frankensteining a 14" laptop is still going strong, and I love it to pieces. I hang mine on the wall of my cube.
If you are putting it on your desk, you really don't need a large one.
Definitely look for a picture frame that doesn't stretch pictures - that's silly.
And definitely resize your pictures down to the resolution of the frame.
My frame's resolution is 1024x768, and pictures shrunk to that size are tiny.
If you are putting it on your desk, you really don't need a large one.
Definitely look for a picture frame that doesn't stretch pictures - that's silly.
And definitely resize your pictures down to the resolution of the frame.
My frame's resolution is 1024x768, and pictures shrunk to that size are tiny.
nnInn
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 37,670
Likes: 1,084
Today QVC has one for $140.00 plus tax and shipping 11" frame. If you use a CC you can spilt the payments into 3 and it can be return until the Jan 31st. It will play mp3 and video.
http://www.qvc.com/
http://www.qvc.com/
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Mar 2002
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Originally Posted by is300eater
My question is... are quality all the same on these things?
.. hope nobody bought one of these gems.http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquir...-laden-digital
Best Buy sold malware-laden digital picture frames
Not saying much about it
By Egan Orion: Friday, 25 January 2008, 8:38 AM
US ELECTRONICS retailer Best Buy recently admitted that it sold digital picture frames over the holidays containing malicious software targetting Windows PCs. The LCD panels were "contaminated with a computer virus during the manufacturing process," the company said.
The company said that only a "limited number" of the malware infested digital picture frames were sold, but it hasn't revealed how many. The offending digital picture frames were Best Buy's house brand Insignia 10.4 inch items with part number NS-DPF10A. They have been discontinued and pulled, Best Buy said.
The company didn't reveal whether the malicious software is a mere virus or a more dangerous trojan, rootkit, bot or self-replicating worm. It said that only Windows PCs are vulnerable and that the malware payload would be detected by up-to-date antivirus software.
Best Buy said it's continuing to investigate the problem and is "connecting with our customers who may have been impacted."
Best Buy published a special toll-free help desk phone number for customers.
"We apologise for the inconvenience that has been caused as a result of this incident," it said in a statement posted online at its Insignia brand website.
Its PR department reportedly did not return a phone call requesting comment. µ
Not saying much about it
By Egan Orion: Friday, 25 January 2008, 8:38 AM
US ELECTRONICS retailer Best Buy recently admitted that it sold digital picture frames over the holidays containing malicious software targetting Windows PCs. The LCD panels were "contaminated with a computer virus during the manufacturing process," the company said.
The company said that only a "limited number" of the malware infested digital picture frames were sold, but it hasn't revealed how many. The offending digital picture frames were Best Buy's house brand Insignia 10.4 inch items with part number NS-DPF10A. They have been discontinued and pulled, Best Buy said.
The company didn't reveal whether the malicious software is a mere virus or a more dangerous trojan, rootkit, bot or self-replicating worm. It said that only Windows PCs are vulnerable and that the malware payload would be detected by up-to-date antivirus software.
Best Buy said it's continuing to investigate the problem and is "connecting with our customers who may have been impacted."
Best Buy published a special toll-free help desk phone number for customers.
"We apologise for the inconvenience that has been caused as a result of this incident," it said in a statement posted online at its Insignia brand website.
Its PR department reportedly did not return a phone call requesting comment. µ
Suzuka Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,034
Likes: 10
From: Outside Houston
Guys, any updates on recommendations? I'm looking to get a high resolution 7-8" for valentines day for my fiance and load it up with pics via SD. Don't really need wi-fi as she doesn't have a pc at work where i intend her to use it.
Thanks...
Thanks...
Thread Starter
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 3,664
From: Vancouver BC
Originally Posted by Ashburner
Guys, any updates on recommendations? I'm looking to get a high resolution 7-8" for valentines day for my fiance and load it up with pics via SD. Don't really need wi-fi as she doesn't have a pc at work where i intend her to use it.
Thanks...
Thanks...
Last edited by is300eater; Feb 7, 2008 at 08:59 PM.
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
So, any new or revised recommendations?
I just picked up an 8" Pandigital from CC, but I am not really impressed with it. Even though it's 800x600, the image quality isn't that great and it doesn't deal with bright spots very well. It will most likely be going back. I might run to Costco and see what they have.
I just picked up an 8" Pandigital from CC, but I am not really impressed with it. Even though it's 800x600, the image quality isn't that great and it doesn't deal with bright spots very well. It will most likely be going back. I might run to Costco and see what they have.
nnInn
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 37,670
Likes: 1,084
I've been looking at this one, but the reviews are ALL of the board.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
Thread Starter
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,073
Likes: 3,664
From: Vancouver BC
sorry you're not happy with the Pandigital... the one I bought my parents seems pretty good...
btw, take your own SD card into Costco or wherever you go and try the demo with your own pictures
btw, take your own SD card into Costco or wherever you go and try the demo with your own pictures
Last edited by is300eater; May 8, 2008 at 04:57 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 853
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From: FAR northern Maine
Originally Posted by jupitersolo
I've been looking at this one, but the reviews are ALL of the board.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: FAR northern Maine
Originally Posted by t_in_maine
I bought a SmartParts one from Circuit City based on its recommendations from Consumer Reports and user reviews.... but I bought it for a friend, so can't attest to its quality, etc.
Linked here: (time limit
)link
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by is300eater
sorry you're not happy with the Pandigital... the one I bought my parents seems pretty good...
btw, take your own SD card into Costco or wherever you go and try the demo with your own pictures
btw, take your own SD card into Costco or wherever you go and try the demo with your own pictures
I saw a really nice looking Kodak screen, but aside from the price, it was widescreen. These aren't HD TVs - wtf is with widescreen frames?
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
I went to Staples to look at frames and saw a Pandigital that looked pretty nice. The tag said it was a 9", but I didn't see any on the shelf. So, I asked a sales person about it and he got one from the back and brought it to the counter for me when I was ready. Not until after I bought it and got back to work did I realize the 9" was widescreen and NOT what I was looking at. Turns out the one I liked was an 8" 
:wtf: The one from CC was a different model number. Now I have two frames to return and one more to buy.
Cliffs -
- it appears the Pandigital 8" (PAN80-2) is actually a decent frame if you get the right one.
- I hate CC for having old/bad models, among several other reasons.
:wtf: The one from CC was a different model number. Now I have two frames to return and one more to buy.Cliffs -
- it appears the Pandigital 8" (PAN80-2) is actually a decent frame if you get the right one.
- I hate CC for having old/bad models, among several other reasons.
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Arghh!!... The more I search around the more confused I get.
There is actually a "touch-frame" version of the Pandigital that is due out soon (though some people already have them?!?! It has more memory (512MB) and touch controls in the "matted" area rather than on the screen. I was told I might be able to find one at Costco or Walmart. As much as I hate to, I might bite the bullet and go to Walmart, since the Costco I go to definitely didn't have them.
There is actually a "touch-frame" version of the Pandigital that is due out soon (though some people already have them?!?! It has more memory (512MB) and touch controls in the "matted" area rather than on the screen. I was told I might be able to find one at Costco or Walmart. As much as I hate to, I might bite the bullet and go to Walmart, since the Costco I go to definitely didn't have them.
is learning to moonwalk i
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 15,520
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by is300eater
that's the one I bought my parents... the 8" one
I checked out another Costco and no dice. So, we did the midnight run to Walmart (after Iron Man) and found exactly what I was looking for. The picture quality is way better than the one from CC, has more memory, the touch frame and was about $20 cheaper. Too bad my mom is out of town and had to settle for e-mailed pictures of the picture frame
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