DPF-080, DPF-081, digital photo frames from Sapphire

Written by Stuyo

Wednesday, 02 April 2008

 

Page 3 – Tests

Now let's get testing. First thing that we looked at was the remote. After all it's going to be your main way of controlling the frame:

It certainly made a bad impression to us, it didn't work too well with the frame. It must be aimed pretty much at front center for the commands to be recognized. It also reacts quite sluggish. It will take some time to get used to that and even then from time to time you'll get results different from expected.

After we turned on the frame we were greeted by the Sapphire logo in full screen and few seconds later we were in the main menu. It is very intuitive and easy to use and navigate in to. As for the system settings – they ain't much, but they are enough for such a product, while most attention had been placed on the slideshow settings.

After choosing display options a screen that invites us to choose the type of memory to be used pops up, and after him a file manager. He is nothing special, but a nice touch is that there is a quick preview pane on the right, while you're browsing through the files.

The first function we tested was the audio player. It's rather limited in function, not to mention equalizers or playlists - there just ain't any. It's design isn't pretty either, but at least it has all the basic controls for the job. Its only "bonus" is an graphical equalizer, purely cosmetic in nature though.

The sound from the integrated speakers, though not very good, is sufficiently loud. As a compensation, when you plug in external speakers or headphones the sound is radically changed - becoming strong and clear. Nice touch is the fact that you can set music as a background for your picture slideshow.

Sapphire's DPF frames also include calendar and alarm functions. Not that much of an important ones, but still pretty handy (especially the alarm).

These frames allow reading of text too. While testing we found out that Cyrillic isn't supported, but that doesn't mean that it can't be added. We never wasted much time in finding out since that would be the least used function of the frame anyway, so we focused on the main functions.

Main function od the digital photo frames is (surprise, surprise...) to show digital images (mainly pictures). DPF-080 and DPF-081 are equipped with card readers supporting most memory cards, allowing in reality to view pictures from any modern digital photo camera. And if that's not enough for you there is a USB connector capable of reading any USB carrier that works as a standard USB drive.

Most important thing about a digital frame is the matrix. In the case of these two models from Sapphire it's with exceptional quality. The viewing angles are wide and even from the sides the picture is clear. Besides that, these two models are with high resolutions and give detailed picture and the 8" display is sufficiently big. Due to the fact that most digital photos use the 4:3 aspect, for that purpose the DPF-080 (800x600 resolution and 4:3 aspect) would be more suitable. But if the wide screen aspect ratio is more appealing to you, then the DPF-081 (800x480 resolution and 16:9 aspect as well as 5 bucks cheaper) is the frame for you.

Another main function, in our opinion at least is the digital video. Unfortunately the frame doesn't support Quick Time формат (the one that my camera supports), but it did play the latest DivX movies. Which on the other side gives the frame another huge field to be used in – a movie player. The high quality and resolutions have the final word here too, and the movies look splendid. On their behalf the DPF-081 is more suitable since its aspect ratio is just right, most movies using it and whatnot. As you can see from the pictures the image on 4:3 is much smaller (after all both TFT screens are 8" with their form being the only difference). The lower resolution of DPF-081 isn't noticeable in movies, while the difference in picture size is quite notable. As for the sound and functions of the video player - there are the same as with the audio player. Subtitles are supported separately.

As for the additional frames – they ain't anything special. You get four of them with different colours, the pictures should provide you with a clear idea. Interesting fact to be noted is that when they are removed the remote doesn't work.

We here at Modreactor, as clearly modding focused individuals saw Sapphire's DPF frames from another point of view too – their potential as modding components. Our disappointment was significant when we connected them to the PC their functions became locked, allowing them to be used only as card readers. Our attempts to use them as a secondary monitor to say, were futile. Well, after all that was never an intended use for them , so having the functionality for "free" was a tad much to expect.

Another thought connected with its power unit popped up. This frame can be fed from a car battery (it runs on 12V DC after all), that surely further extends its uses.

Again while testing we found out another, unpleasant thing. Since the frame is made from polished acrylic it's a dust magnet. As well as scratch hazard, especially when dusting it. That's why when cleaned a über-soft tissue and anti static spray must be used.