Digital Photo Frame Wireless

Digital photo frames have been around for a while now and they're becoming increasingly affordable. In recent years, they've added features. Many now play audio, allowing you to enjoy multimedia presentations. Some have added the ability to play video as well. In fact, some are now full fledged internet players that give you access to online photo galleries, web TV, internet radio, RSS feeds, podcasts, and the like.

Wireless connectivity adds convenience as it allows you to transfer photos wirelessly. In some cases you can stream from your PC and in others you can upload photos and video from your cell phone even when you have no PC available. Many of these devices offer Wi-Fi and some use Bluetooth as well. Some of these wireless digital photo frames make sharing very simple. These frames may have their own e-mail address, allowing you to e-mail photos directly to or from the frame. In fact, some of them allow you to set them up to immediately receive photos that your friends and family post online. Digital photo frames with wireless take connecting to a whole new level.

Before you buy, there a few basic things you ought to think about. First, of course, you need to assure the frame itself will meet your expectations. For instance:

The display.
Determine the size you want. Frames that are 7 inches are probably the most common, but 8 inch, 10 inch, and 15 inch frames are available. Check for good resolution. A small frame might be ok with 800x480 but you need more for larger frames. I would recommend no less than 800x600 for an 8 inch frame. You'll have the choice of a 4:3 aspect ratio or 16:9 widescreen. Widescreen looks great, but for the average 4x6 type photo, a 4:3 screen is convenient since no cropping or stretching will be needed.

Control
Some displays are touch screens which is very intuitive. Some provide a remote control which is certainly convenient, but most will also have controls on the device itself. Some devices allow you to adjust brightness, zoom in, and so forth, others don't.

Compatibility
The digital photo frame you choose needs to be compatible with the files you wish to display (video and audio). In addition, it must have compatible inputs; USB, mini USB, SD cards, Bluetooth etc. with your other devices. Be sure to check that it will be compatible with your operating system.

Memory
Most modern photo frames will allow you to store thousands of photos. For some this is 1,500 photos, for others it's over 10,000. Again, be sure it will accept the memory cards that you use.

Other features
If you want music, check for file support: MP3 and WAV are common. You might also want stereo speakers. If you want video playback, check for that file compatibility; MPEG4 is common. You might want the ability to search for photos via thumbnails, to have the device automatically orient photos correctly (landscape or portrait), or to be able to produce slide shows. Many users also like a timer function or auto-off function to save energy.

In addition, there are things to think about regarding the wireless connectivity.

Connectivity
Some devices offer Wi-Fi, and some offer Bluetooth in addition. Clearly both can add conveniences for transferring photos easily and quickly.

Sharing
Some wireless digital photo frames make sharing photos with others easy. They may allow you to receive photos from family and friends via a frame specific e-mail. In some cases this is nearly instantaneous and effortless as they are automatically picked up when posted on internet photo sharing sites. Some of these frames will also allow you to send your photos out in a similar manner. With all this sharing going on, having a bit of security might also be good. Some of these wireless photo frames offer WPS security and others offer SPAM blockers.

Additional Features
The wireless connectivity of these devices can go beyond enjoying photos. In fact, some wireless photo frames have become internet players as they may give you access to RSS feeds, news, sports, blogs, podcasts, online photo sharing sites, internet radio, and web TV. Some will act as a weather station as they connect to the weather reports from your favorite cities.

Introduction Image provided by DanaSpiegel from WIRED insider.