The Perfect Digital Picture Frame (3/27/2007)


After last week’s post on incorporating entertainment into your home network, I thought it’d be a nice follow-up to dive in deep on an emerging product category: the digital picture frame. Interestingly, the category first appeared back in 2000 when CEIVA introduced their first-generation “internet-connected digital picture frame.” Defying all odds, the company still exists today, and is now one of many in the segment.  There are quite a few options to choose from but I got to thinking, “what would make the perfect digital picture frame?”

Some basic assumptions
The frame must have a USB slot for expandability, and does not need internal storage memory (drives the cost up too much).  It must have at least an SD card reader built-in (might as well be a 4-in-1), and some method (USB?) for getting other cards as well.  It must have slideshows with nice transition effects.  It must have a simple user interface, whether it’s a touch-screen, some front/side panel buttons, or possibly even a little remote control (and the user interface must be fast and responsive).  It must work without any special PC software, and must support Macs as well.  It must display a minimum resolution of 800x600, but should come in a “HD” model as well. It must be quite thin, such that when mounted on the wall it has a similar profile to any framed photo/art.  Lastly, it must cost under $150 now, and by the end of 2007 it should be down to $100 or even $80.

Challenge #1: cabling
For an “always-on” device to function, it needs power, which either means some form of AC or, more creatively, power-over-Ethernet. This may be fine for a frame that sits on my desk, but isn’t all that appealing for something that hangs on my wall.  This either means I need to own my home and make some kind of in-wall solution, or I need a very clever alternative, such as FlatWire (which is also preferable for a homeowner as compared to me, the renter).  Battery and solar-powered units aren’t realistic options, as the LCD requires too much power over a long period of time.
Solution: no perfect answer, but should only require one cable under any circumstances.

Challenge #2: network
In my eyes, a digital picture frame that isn’t connected to the Internet is an interim solution at best.  If I have to manually load photos on/off the unit, whether by SD card or USB connection, I know sooner or later I’ll stop doing it.  So it needs connectivity.  The obvious answer is 802.11g, but there’s a significant cost impact by taking this approach (a $15 radio translates into an extra $40-$50 to you as a consumer).  Alternately, the frame could use an MMS module (same tech used in your cell phone for SMS/texting),  it could be cheaper by incorporating an 802.11b module instead, or a powerline networking system is a possibility.  With each alternate solution some cost savings are incurred, and since it’s not really essential for high speed connections, it shouldn’t make a difference.  The problem is, the cost savings won’t be all that tremendous, and frankly the less complexities we introduce, the better.
Solution: even if it’s a bit more expensive than it should be, 802.11g is the right way to go, and an Ethernet port should be accessible as well.

Challenge #3: online services
Ideally, I’d be able to choose any online service (Photobucket, Slide, Flickr, etc) and configure my frame to grab photos automatically.  Further, I should be able to set some email address/password combination that allows friends or family to send photos straight to the frame.  It would also be nice to have a Web site interface that can be used to upload photos as well.  Further, the frame should have a tie-in to sites like Shutterfly or CafePress so I can print photos or items directly from the frame.  This combination of online features provides value to both someone like myself, or a relative I might want to give the item to as a gift.
Solution: provide numerous services, and an open API that encourages third party interface development

Challenge #4: media formats
Here’s where things get a little tricky.  If I have this frame on my desk or my wall, and it can display stuff, wouldn’t it seem like I’d probably want the occasional video playback as well?  Also, I’d sure like to have the ability to play some music in the background while viewing photos.  But the more media types to support, the higher the cost for both software and hardware.  Even worse, the product becomes less and less reliable with the additional format support.
Solution: while music/video support would be nice, they are not necessary if it drives the cost or complexity up, so we can leave it on hold for now

So let’s see if I can summarize what I really want in a digital picture frame:

  • It can either be wall- or desk-mounted
  • It needs to have just a single cable, which must be as unobtrusive as possible
  • It has no built-in memory, but includes a card reader and USB support
  • It should be easy to use, intuitive and responsive, with no PC/Mac software needed
  • It needs native wireless support, and capabilities to interact with various online services (including an open API for enabling other services and applications)
  • It could support music/video playback as well, but it’s certainly not a requirement (yet)

Jeremy Toeman
Consumer Technology and New Media Expert

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