Last year I purchased my brother a Pandigital photo frame, which he is enjoying. So this year I bought the
Pandigital 8" LCD Digital Photo Frame. It’s another winner (and don’t tell my brother, but it is better than his!). This photo frame can display photos, videos and play music.
The features that attracted me to this purchase are: internal storage of 128mb, the frame can store up to 149 2-megapixel images, no PC is required, it comes with a remote control, and it has a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. The frame also accepts a variety of media cards/sticks and plays many picture, video, and music formats.
What's In the Box Digital Photo Frame
Extra Decorative Frame
AC Power Adapter (9v, 2A)
Remote Control
USB Cable
User's Guide (English only)
Quick Start Guide (one page in color, English)
This digital photo frame comes with a black wood frame and a clear acrylic frame. It is also offered with a black wood frame and an espresso wood frame. There is a stand on the back of the frame that can be extended, just like a regular photo frame.
Set Up It is easy to plug the AC adapter into the frame and then into a wall outlet. There are controls on the frame that manipulate Brightness and access the Setup command. If you don't want to use the remote, there are function buttons on the back of the frame.
Make sure the frame is turned off before inserting the camera memory card into one of the slots. Turn on the power switch, and the frame will automatically read the card and begin a slide show of the images. You can also control the slide show through the remote.
This frame has several slots that accommodate: Compact Flash card, Secure Digital, MultiMedia card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, xD Memory card. It also accepts USB Flash Drives. The slots are designed so that the cards/sticks only fit in one way. This frame supports USB 2.0. You can insert multiple memory cards and select which one to play. If no memory card is in place, the frame automatically defaults to internal memory.
Don't forget to remove the plastic insert in the remote before using it, though. The plastic insert is in place so that the battery doesn't discharge during store shelf life. The remote is small and has several features: setup, directional arrows for scrolling, exit, enter, pause, play, zoom, volume control, slide show and rotate. It takes a CR2025 lithium battery, which can be replaced.
Transferring Images into the Frame It is easy to transfer images from a memory card to the frame's internal memory. Insert the card into a slot. Press "Exit" on the remote until the "Select Card" screen is visible. A screen will show various options. Highlight the image of the inserted card and press "Enter" on the remote. Then select the type of media to display (ex: video, photos or music). Press the "Setup" button on the remote and use the arrow keys to select "Copy Photo". Press the "Enter" button to copy the images to the frame's internal memory.
It is also easy to transfer images from a PC to the frame's memory using the USB cable. (Note: the remote will not work while the USB cable is plugged in.) This uses the familiar drag-and-drop method of file transfer. Find the files on the PC, highlight them, and drag-and-drop them onto the Pandigital icon on the computer. Repeat the process until all the images you wish to transfer are completed. Then disconnect the USB cable. Turn the frame off and then on again to reconnect the remote function.
Our Experiences I am very impressed with the picture resolution of this frame. The photos look great! Of course, there is the consideration that the displayed photographs are only as good as the photographer’s skill … but this frame helps even so-so shots look nice.
We most often use the slide show feature. I like that the images stay on the screen just long enough to easily see and appreciate the photo before the next image appears. If desired, the frame can be set to display thumbnail (small) images or one larger still image. You can rotate or enlarge photos, too. The slide show can also show a variety of photos accompanied by music.
A feature we like is that you can set slideshows to play at pre-determined times. This is a great energy-saving feature. We set the photo frame to start in the morning when we usually wake up, and it is timed to turn off when the family is ready to turn in for the night.
There are built-in speakers in this frame. They won’t win awards for sound, but are adequate for the purpose of having music play with the photo display. I prefer not to have the music playing. There are often other media sounds in the room, such as from the television or CD player. Having music play in accompaniment with the photo display is a distraction. If desired, external speakers/amplifiers can be connected to the frame. I've never done this, but there are instructions on how to do it in the User Guide.
The frame also shows a calendar and clock with alarm. I like the clock feature. It is discrete, displaying bolded white numerals in the upper left corner. The time display is does not take away from the images either. It is easily visible, too, unless the photos have a white or almost white background.
We prefer using the black frame since it offers the best contrast for the images. If you wish to change the frame, there are two screws that hold the frame in place. To change the frame, remove the two screws, swap the frame for the other one, and then replace the screws.
Purchasing I bought this digital frame at
Kohl’s on sale for $138.99. The regular price was $199.99.
Update -- May 12, 2009This photo frame is still working great. It is on everyday and has performed without a problem. It's great!
Summary This
Pandigital 8" LCD Digital Photo Frame cost a little more than I like to spend, but the images are fantastic. The 128mb storage capacity is excellent, too. This frame is easy to use and is a great way to display family memories.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Specifications Screen Dimension: 8 inches
Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
Audio File Formats: MP3
Video File Formats: Motion JPEG (AVI), MPEG1, MPEG-2, MPEG4
Photo File Format: JPEG
Usage Options: Manual, Remote Control, or Auto Play
Power Supply: AC 9v, 2A
Connection: USB
Memory Card Format: Compact Flash, MultiMedia card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD, XD
Please read my other reviews:
PanDigital 5.6” Digital Photo Frame
Canon PowerShot A400 Digital Camera
ViewSonic 19” LCD Monitor
Acer 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor
Westinghouse 19" LCD Widescreen Television
Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control
LiteOn DVD Recorder/Player
Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart
