Venturer

People seem to be looking for Venturer digital picture frame reviews, so today I will look at the complete range. For those that haven't seen or used a digital frame before, they're well worth a look. They let you display all of you digital photos without the need for a PC or laptop. Some even support music and/or video.

The Venturer range of digital picture frames has 4 models:
All models listed contain a TFT Panel LCD Screen - the DPF561SE and DPF562SE with 4:3 aspect ratio and the DPF712SE and DPF811SE a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Each of the frames above support Compact Flash, Secure Digital, Multi Media Card and Memory Stick Pro memory card types. In addition the DPF712SE supports Extreme Digital type cards as well as USB flash drives.

None of the Venturer models come with on-board memory. This means the frame will only work with a memory card inserted. Other manufacturers produce some models with internal memory to store images (as well as video and music) on the device. This capability gives such devices much greater flexibility.

The DPF712SE supports video playback with background music through MP3 support. If you put all of your photo, video and music files on a USB drive, you can plug the USB device into the frame. You can then play your movies with sound or show a slideshow with background music playing. MP3 is the only supported music file format and AVI the only supported video format.

All of these frames come packaged with an AC Power Adapter, Stand and Instruction Manual.

Also available are a set of "snap on frames". This set of steel, silver and wood (maple) frame outers can be used to customize the look af your frame.

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Philips

The Philips range of digital picture frames is the subject of today's digital picture frames review. The lineup comprises 4 models in 2 lines - the modern line and the wood line. Each of these lines contain a 7 inch and a 9 inch frame.

The modern line range consists on the 7FF1M4 7 inch frame and the 9FF2M4 9 inch frame. The outer ornamental portion of the frame is interchangeable with a set of black, red and silver outers available.

The Philips
7FF1CWO 7 inch and 9FF2CWO 9 inch frames comprise the wood line of frames. Like the modern line, the outers are interchangeable with black, silver and milk-white available.

All frames contain high pixel density LCD screens with a resolution of 800 by 680 pixels.

The 9 inch frames both have the capability to operate in standalone mode for up to 1 hour through the use of a rechargeable battery. The 7 inch models both have a run time of just under 50 minutes. All frames have the option of running directly from the AC main power adapter. There is also a timer function so you can set automatic startup and shutdown times for you frame.

All of the Philips digital picture frames have on-board memory with the
7FF1M4 and 7FF1CWO having enough capacity for more than 50 pictures and the 9FF2M4 and 9FF2CWO being able to hold 110 to 150 pictures.

Pictures may be viewed directly from a CF, MS, MMC or SD memory card. The
9FF2M4 and 9FF2CWO frames are also support XD format. This means you can take your memory card directly from your camera, plug it into the frame and start showing off your photography skills. In addition, there is a USB interface so you can load images from your computer directly into the internal memory.

Both the
9FF2M4 and 9FF2CWO digital pictures frames come with Smart Album and PhotoEffect Wizard software. The Smart Album provides functionality to create and maintain photo slideshows directly through the user interface on your frame. PhotoEffect Wizard allows you to edit photos directly on the frame. Tou can do things like rotate and zoom (among other things) without the need to go back to your computer.

All frames come with USB Cable, User Manual, Quick Start Guide, PC Software, Stand and AC/DC Power Adapter.

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Smartparts SP56 5.6 Digital Picture Frame Review

The Smartparts SP56 5.6" Digital Picture Frame is the Smarparts entry level digital photo frame. The SP56 is one of an extensive range of 13 frames available from Smartparts. In the coming weeks we will be publishing reviews of other digital reviews from the range. Today's Smartparts SP56 5.6 Digital Picture Frame Review is the first of those.

Summary of Specifications:

  • Screen Size: 5.6 Inches
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Cards Supported: MMC, SD, MS and xD memory card formats
  • Resolution: 320 x 234 Pixels
  • Image Formats: JPEG
  • Video Support: None
  • Audio Support: None
  • Internal Memory: None
  • Warranty: 1 Year

Features:

The SP56 is an entry level digital picture frame. With this frame, you can plug your digital camera's memory card directly into the frame. There is no need for a PC or other device.

You can use this frame to show an automatic slideshow of your latest digital pictures.

Limitations:

Being an entry level model, the Smartparts SP56 5.6 Inch Digital Picture Frame doesn't support Video or Audio playback like some of it's more expensive counterparts. Also, there is no interface for connection back to a PC or other computing device.

This frame is well suited to someone who just wants to take their card straight from the camera and show their friends and family their photo collection.

To the best of the author's knowledge, all information in this review were correct at the time of writing.