A wooden or a metal Picture Frame is a great gift idea or traditional keepsake to share reminiscences. But changing times need changing ideas, and with the internet and personal web pages we can swap pictures with friends near and far. The technologically challenged, or computer novices, can keep up with Digital Picture Frames, the right gadget for sharing and displaying pictures.

The Digital Picture Frame is an LCD monitor surrounded by traditional frames displaying a single photo or multiple photos in a slideshow format. It is easy to operate download or sending facilities by connecting the frame to the internet through a local dial-up phone number and existing phone line. Another way to watch a picture slide show is by inserting a compatible memory card without using a computer, digital camera or Internet connection.

Certain models or makes of Digital Picture Frames support up to 12 megapixels image files (JPEG format), and are compatible with most digital camera-stored JPEG images and motion JPEG files. Some frames have additional capabilities that include playing short movies previously recorded with the camera. Some models store from 30 to 80 pictures, setting time between each picture to be displayed. The components of a Digital Picture Frame are a MemoryFrame system unit, a MF-810S deluxe stereo audio, and storage for 32 to 80 pictures. The stand supporting the frame is either vertical or horizontal, with an easy-to-use on-screen menu system, multi-function control buttons and automatic scaling of large pictures to fit the frame screen. A Digital Picture Frame is compatible with USB cameras, and also with USB card-readers with easy-to-view thumbnails, manual imaging forwarding, pause and reverse buttons, and 11 transition and display buttons. What is more, the frame is compatible with Flash (CF), SmartMedia (SM), SecureDigital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), and MemoryStick memory cards with software utility CD-ROM, and USB cables, as well as AC power adapters with cable. It does sound complicated, but for the techno-savvy it is just another Picture Frame.

Digital Picture Frames are expensive, but with new technology overtaking our lives we do not want to be left behind. The best thing about Digital Picture Frames is that one can put them anywhere: on your mantelpiece, bedside tables, wall or living room, without having to switch on the computer or laptop to show pictures to anyone. The axiom that pictures speak volumes comes into play with Digital Picture Frames.