Sony Digital Photo Frames

Sony Electronics has added two new models to its family of S-Frame Digital photo frames-including the company's first 10-inch model on display at the PhotoPlus Expo trade show in New York City.

The new 10-inch and 8-inch digital photo frames (models DPF-D100 and DPF-D80) have high-quality SVGA resolution (800 x 600 pixels) LCD screens. They are Sony's first digital photo frames that offer a 4:3 aspect ratio.

This aspect ratio eliminates borders around the digital photos and allows pictures to fill up the screen. Photos appear larger on theses frames' displays than digital photo frames with the 16:9 aspect ratio.

"These digital photo frames offer a great way to enjoy and share photos," said Koba Kobayashi, marketing director for digital imaging accessories in the Digital Imaging Division at Sony Electronics. "Industry demand for digital photo frames is still growing, and consumers are looking for quality products from trusted brands like Sony."

In addition to providing high-quality LCD screens, these models have an advanced image processing feature that quickly decodes and displays images. The digital photo frames will display images that are up to 48 megapixels or files that are up to 100MB. The digital photo frames have 200MB of available capacity, so you can store hundreds of photos to the device and then return your memory card back to the camera.

Digital images can be loaded onto the internal memory of the digital photo frames from several types of flash memory cards, including Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo(tm), SD Memory Card, MMC, Compact Flash, Microdrive and xD-Picture Card.

Photos can also be transferred to the frames via a USB cable (not included) from a personal computer or digital camera. These two new S-Frame models support JPEG and RAW (SRF, SR2, ARW) image file formats.

The S-Frame models offer convenient features including the auto orientation sensor. The photo frame automatically detects whether it has been positioned horizontally or vertically and then adjusts the display of the picture accordingly. When the frame is horizontal the Sony logo will light up. When the frame is vertical, the logo turns off and blends into the piano black finish.

Additional features include 10 slide show variations, clock and calendar views, and two index modes so you can preview several photos at once. You can also conserve energy by using the auto power on/off setting to program when you want the frame to turn on in the morning and off at night. Functions of the digital photo frame can be managed remotely using the included controller.

The DPF-D80 digital photo frame is now available for about $180 and the DPF-D100 model will be available in November for about $280. Both will be offered direct at sonystyle.com, at 43 Sony Style retail stores around the country, and at hundreds of authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders are now being accepted for the DPF-D100 unit at sonystyle.com.