Digital Photo Frames - Selection Criteria No comments yet

Digital photo frames have seen a considerable reduction in price over the last couple of years. In fact it is now possible to find these starting at more or less the same price as traditional static picture frames.

So it’s no surprise that digital photo frames are increasing in popularity, especially when you consider the increased versatility on offer when compared with a traditional static frame. For example, digital frames can cycle through a slide show of your favourite photos, quite possibly with special effects transitions. Some of the more expensive frames even have the ability to show short video clips, including sound.

As with any other product, there are a range of functions which will influence not only on the price but also how suitable you feel any particular frame is for you. Some of the more obvious features that you may want to consider when selecting your digital frame might include:

SIZE
As with computer monitors and TVs, the size is measured diagonally from corner to corner. Seven inches is currently the most common size but larger frames are available. In general, the larger the frame, the higher the price will be.

RESOLUTION
Again this is comparable to computer monitors – resolution is measured in pixels. A digital photo frame which is specified as having a resolution of 750 X 500 will have a width of 750 pixels and a height of 500 pixels.

CONTROLS
Simple, easy to use controls are best. Many frames will have these tucked away at the back – but the front and sides are normally easier to access and more convenient for the user.

MEMORY
Many digital picture frames have their own on-board memory for storing photos. Without this, you’ll need to use a memory card or USB stick in the frame.

Normally the frames can take a variety of memory input methods – USB, SD, XD etc. Make sure that your chosen frame is compatible with the type of card used by your camera before you buy.

DISPLAY OPTIONS
Some frames have changeable surrounds, these make it easier to blend in with your decor – be it at home or at work.

Some frames will even rotate the picture if you rotate the frame – effectively giving you the option of showing your photos in “landscape” or “portrait” orientations.

Most frames on offer today have the option of producing a slide show, often with a choice of transitions between pictures. Some frames may have an MP3 input which will allow you to add background music to your slideshows should you wish.

If you only want to display your photos during certain times of the day you might want to check out frames which have an internal clock.

Digital Picture Frames

Solar Power | Organic Photovoltaics No comments yet

Can you imagine wearing a T-shirt that ran you iPod, or a pair of jeans that recharged your cell phone? What if you had a beach umbrella that ran a TV? Does it sound far-fetched?

Okay, I will agree with you that it does.

Research into photovoltaics and solar energy has, nevertheless, reached a point where these are definite possibilities.

For more information you may also see Thin Film Solar Panels.

What Are Organic Photovoltaics?

Organic Photovoltaics, or OPV for short, are new types of semiconductors which are based on organic materials.

Although they are still phase of research, OPVs can be produced in thin flexible sheets, and as such they can then be incorporated into cloth or paper.

Due to the fact that they are flexible they can be mass-produced at low cost. So another result of this advanced research could be low-cost mass-produced inexpensive solar cells.

What are Semiconductors?

Rest assured, whether you understand the below or not, it won’t affect whether a solar charging T-shirt will work for you (if it ever hits the market).

But I will try to explain it in simple terms, just so you have a better idea of what we are talking about.

The following is a brief description of semiconductors are.

Semiconductors (organic or not) are materials that have either too many free electrons, or have a scarcity of electrons.

Semiconductors which have too many free electrons are called “N-type semiconductors,” by scientific types of people.

Semiconductors which don’t have enough electrons are called “P-type”. P-type semiconductors have “holes.” Holes are places where there the atom “theoretically” should have an electron, but does not. (Which just goes to show that reality and theory don’t always match up.)

By combining materials that have these qualities, we are able to make electrical components such as transistors (transistors are devices which help regulate the flow of electricity).

Some semiconductors are sensitive to light when they are stuck together. It is these semiconductors that are used in photovoltaic cells. When they are exposed to light, a tiny electrical current is created. This is not a new discovery.

But as I stated earlier, it is new that we are able to create semiconductors out of organic materials. And that opens the door to a whole new range of possibilities.

Incidentally, computer chips are usually made out of semiconductors. So this new discovery might have some interesting applications in the field of computers.

Humanized robots? Artificial intelligence? Who knows.

- by Anna Stone

For more information on solar energy and its technologies, please visit Anna’s Solar Power Store and Solar Power Blog.