Digital Frame Deluge Continues
By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 11/20/2006
New York — Falling prices and an expected spike in demand as the digital camera market crosses the 60 percent house penetration mark, have prompted a host of vendors to jump into the digital photo frame market.
Los Angeles-based imaging peripheral manufacturer Digital Foci has redesigned its Image Moments digital photo frame.
The new 8-inch Image Moments now offers interchangeable frames (sold separately for $19.99), an easel leg for switching between landscape and portrait views, an automatic on/off timer and an adapter ring for customizing the frame.
The frame now features a cable lock slot, a lockable memory card cover, new file management options for copying, deleting and renaming images and the ability to attach MP3 music to slideshows. In addition to JPEG files, the frame supports MPEG-1/-2/-4 video playback and features built-in speakers.
The unit also features a VGA resolution screen and card slots for CompactFlash I/II, MicroDrive, SD/MMC, and Memory Stick PRO.
The unit will ship next month for a suggested $229.
Fidelity, a Toronto-based vendor, added a 10.4-inch frame to its lineup.
The DPF-1040F features a VGA resolution TFT LCD screen and a memory card reader for CompactFlash, Memory Stick, SD/MMC, SmartMedia and xD Picture Cards. In addition to displaying JPEG image files up to 12-megapixels in resolution, the unit can play MPEG-1/-2/-4 video and MP3 music files through built-in speakers.
The frame can be rotated to allow for portrait or landscape views and can connect to a TV. Photos can be viewed in a slideshow or zoomed in on.
It joins the company's existing 5.6-inch and 8-inch frames on the market this month for a suggested retail price of $300.
Smartparts added two new products to its lineup, a 10.4-inch frame and a new entry-level 5.6-inch model.
The company added a 10.4-inch (SPDPF104) and a lower cost 5.6-inch model (SPDPF56E), both of which are currently shipping. In addition to standard JPEG images, the 10.4-inch frame can play back AVI movies or MP3 audio files and supports SD/MMC, Memory Stick, CF and xD Picture Card memory cards.
The 10.4-inch frame will carry a $249 suggested retail.
The wood framed 5.6-inch display will join the current 5.6-inch model (SPDPF56N) on the market for a suggested $99. It offers a built-in SD/MMC and Memory Stick card reader. Unlike its predecessor, the new model does not include a remote, a slot for CompactFlash cards or a USB port. It also offers a single wood frame and not three interchangeable ones.
