Pictronic illuminated photo frame Display Device Review

How to display that special photograph the light way. Lindsey Brown looks at Pictronics light-up photograph frame.

Illuminated picture frame.

Everyone has pictures in a frame that sit on their desk or mantlepiece, but they look a little dull and frankly, a little 20th century. The trouble with digital photo frames is that they are very expensive but Pictronic have a cunning alternative in the form of the illuminated photo frame.

This photo frame holds photographs of a standard size 6”x4” and 7”x5”, it can hold both landscape and portrait photographs. Unlike traditional photo frames the back light makes that special photograph stand out. In semi light the frame brightens up the photograph and takes away the dullness of the print. By brightening up the dullness of the colours it shows the true reflection of the photograph. The light sits behind the photograph and the glass surround reflects the light.

The frame provides a novel idea of displaying your most treasured photographic memories. The frame looks exceptional and when switched provides a focal point to the room.

This particular frame is designed for a 7"x5" picture, so a 6"x4" picture can't be used without the lights showing. This limits the flexibility of what can be placed in the photo frame, but if you you have lots of 6"x4" pictures then there's plenty of 6"x4" Pictronic photo frames to choose from as well. The photo frame gives the best effect in dark conditions as the light reflects around the glass frame. In normal daylight the frame adds additional light to the area but with more focus on brightening up the photo.

The clear glass and stainless steel frame would sit nicely in any contemporary room. To be able to get the full effect of the photo frame it would need to be placed to a plug socket therefore reducing the amount of places it could be used. At a price of £34.95 it is at the lower end of the price range within the digital photograph frame market. The downside to the reasonable price is it only holds one photograph.

The on and off switch and plug behind the photo frame.

Features

• Safe children's night light
• Exceptionally low voltage
• Display landscape or portrait formats
• Low running costs

Overall
There's a distinct gap in the marketplace between the hi-tec digital photoframe, that allows numerous digital photos to be displayed, but costs over £100, and the low-tec, standard picture frame. The Pictronic illuminated photo frame neatly fits into that area, offering an inexpensive way of making more of your printed photographs. The backlighting effect really does make a dramatic difference, particularly in the subdued light of a living room in the evening.

Plus points:
Has an elegance
Looks really dramatic in subdued light
Can be used as a night light

Minus points:
The wire can cause a problem for small children
The photo needs to fit the frame exactly

Rating