Sunday, May 25, 2008

Digital Frame Diframe

Since the digital camera market gains of the whole process, starting with clicking on the camera and to obtain stock photography, has undergone significant changes; same traditional accessories albeit not come out of the use, but some were forced to surrender positions in the display cases under the pressure of fundamentally new. LiveJournal example of this situation are digital fotoramki. The very idea of creating electronic devices that can reproduce itself absolutely graphic images from digital media, not so new. Among manufacturers in this respect already managed to distinguish deserved giants as well as relatively young and it is targeted at this sector of the market. Diframe, a joint project of the German company DE Co. Ltd. And China Melton Electronics Co. Ltd. — Just from the past. The company develops digital photo since 2002, and has managed to gain popularity in Europe and Southeast Asia, in 2006 - m goes to the Russian market with two models framework: Diframe Hi-tech and Diframe Classic (DF-F5X), which and was graciously provided to us for testing.

The buyer will receive in their own hands a small box of high-quality printing at luster. The size allows it quite comfortable to carry the device in a standard plastic bag or purse. Already on the way home can be found with basic functions, features and technical specifications, since it all this information shown on the box.

Inside see the cardboard liner, which is attached face-frame, pre-wrapped in polyethylene.

The remainder supplied includes: power supply, Mini-USB cable, remote control, user manual, warranty card - all as usual.

A bit surprised that the holders of Diframe Hi-tech, unlike us to test models Diframe Classic, will get together and have a special soft wipe cleans. What does not please the lovers of classical manufacturer directions in design - remains unclear.

The front frame fully justifies the title of model: a clear direct angles, smooth edges and a face, warms dark red color (Ashberry) and wood texture removable parts - all this makes the device outwardly indistinguishable from the traditional framework for photos.

The only “extra” element - a red circle, behind the location of the infrared receiver.

Now a few words about changing the panels. To do so smoothly click on the clip, located on the left sidebar, fotoramku pit and gently extract it from the anchorage to the right on removable panels. Although producer and declares two models available in Russia, in fact we are dealing with the same (DF-F5X), but with different removable panels.

As already mentioned above - for the Classic this “tree”, but for Hi-tech “strict black” panel. However, Commission option seems purely formal, as well as additional panels in the kit are not included and not sold separately (let’s hope that the situation will change soon, but in the meantime, you can change the panels with friends, having a different model of the same series).

Right see block connectors for memory cards (Secure Digital and Multimedia card, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo) and two USB-connector (one for USB flash drives and mini-USB to connect to the PC) as well as slot for the power supply.

The device in the work

Immediately after the inclusion of the device begins to show photos in automatic mode (slide show), which, if inserted any of the carriers, the processed files available on it, otherwise the show is happening files available in the internal memory.

In our case, the role of external media played USB flash-drive, attached to USB-port device. To exit from the slide show should hit EXIT on remote control or on the frame, after which the user enters the regime preview photos, where postranichno in a matrix 4 x 3 pictograms are coiled into images that allow access to the full image.

  Above the icons on the file name is written, it permits and the number of current page of the total. Choosing the Right file by means of navigation buttons, and its opening by pressing Enter at DU or Play on the device.

To escape from the preview photos, push again EXIT; before us appears menu choices available to us regimes: “Photo”, “Music”, “Video” and “File”.

The second and third respectively for audio and video playback. It is worth noting that all files stored on the drive to expand and sorted on the results of this sort are placed in one of the first three sections. The files, a format which is not supported, unavailable for viewing. Section Files contains all available on the media files, and for selected shows its size and date of creation, but slightly below an electronic signature or comment (for example, ID3-tag for audio or preview window for photographs).

To select the right media (if hosted several) should withdraw from the menu choices regimes (Select Mode) by pressing EXIT. A selection menu cards (Select Card) c images available for reading memory cards. Below is an icon embedded memory (Build Memory), in our case, the connected USB flash-drive appears as an icon with the signature “Device0″, navigation and choice in the same way as in previous cases.

Audio and video

As we said earlier, digital fotoramka Diframe able to reproduce sound and video, but have no illusions: it is rather pleasant addition than a real need. Small power will not allow the speaker to enjoy music in the fullest sense, but vosmidyuymovy screen poorly suited for viewing movies. However, in order to see, along with photos and video, recorded by the same digital camera, both quite suitable.

Let details on the parameters LCD display. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has stated in the specifications of the type matrix, the exact meaning of brightness, contrast and other important characteristics, so it will rely on purely subjective impressions of the work device. It should also be borne in mind that the main objective of the framework is to work with static images, and some defining parameters for LCD displays in our case goes to second place, for example, response time. As already stated above, screen size 8 “with the support optimal for him permission 800 х600. Viewing Angle and vertically, horizontally and close to 170 °, so it will still be comfortable even in big companies. The brightness can be monitored using a special wheel, and with the utmost importance image perfectly evident even in very bright light (radiation directed three LDS lamp power 11 W). Contrast leaves much to be desired: in the dark, black turns into a bright gray.

Conclusions

Of the pleasant sides can be safely noted:

     * A good design, classics will always remain in fashion, and the idea of removable panels (subject to availability) will not limit itself one style.
     * Solidnye size and screen resolution (8 “and 800 х600 points - the maximum value for today for this class of devices).
     * The volume of internal memory is quite satisfactory, but could be more, given the level of development of modern flash drives (producer assures that soon will be increased amount of memory).
     * Compatibility with most formats of memory cards has become a necessary attribute, so that our frame here is universal.
     * High performance, the number of available options, ease of handling of the menu - all this adds even more pleasure from the operation.
     * The best viewing angle - 170 ° (compared with the existing analogues).
     * Video playback, digital camera footage.
     * Remote control - easy access to all functions of the device.

Now on the shortcomings:

     * Skromnost bundling - in this case the absence of removable panels that is said about it. The truth may be noted here that all depends on the objectives that we set before the device. All necessary to view the photos and amateur video there is, and you can choose among various options for the design premises.
     * Since the device can work with photos, sound and video, it did not prevent would support more formats than just jpeg, mp3 and avi. Support for other formats of video, audio - would supplement the functionality fotoramki. Actually, the special obstacles to the no. All deal with the new device firmware further elaborated. According to the manufacturer shortly, the device will be able to update the firmware update, as well as complete the procedure described her replacement.
     * Because the dynamics rather weak, the idea of the existence of audio no longer seems stupid, but since we mentioned the connection to the phone, support Bluetooth interface would be far from being redundant.
     * The relatively high cost of the device. In justification can be said that the product differs from competitors Diframe good viewing angle (170 °), playing video and audio mp3. Other competitive advantages in different combinations and meet with other producers, but there are already all depends on the real demand for them. So be on the table of high-quality digital fotoramku value of 9000 rubles. Rather, - the image business. Although subject to supplements according to the wishes of the above, with the price could be quite agree.

Posted by Peter at 22:48:30 | Permalink | Comments (4)