Portable dvd player as a digital picture frame? Bad/Good?
 

So I've been looking at digital picture frames and they seem pretty expensive. All I want to do is have some way for my girlfriend to look at digital pictures without cracking open the computer. So I was thinking of using a portable dvd player (like for a car or another type that will lie flat) and making a wood frame that will hold it on the wall and then wiring it up.

Any thoughts or ideas?

I was told that the resolution on the portable dvd players is worse than that of a digital picture frame, and that I need to make sure that the dvd player will play jpegs.

im sure it would work - but I dont understand. It seems like you could find a digi frame cheaper, since the electronics are much less, shouldnt the cost be less too? im just surprised is all, not questioning your motives!

I doubt you can find a digital picture frame any cheaper since theres alot less demand for them. Hell i saw a portable DVD player for 150 bucks the other day, i remember a few years ago they cost as much as laptops.

yeah I was a little curious after I posted and went and looked around. they are still a bit more expensive, I just dont get it. I suppose demand is the main reason.

The cheapest digital frame I could find is called a ziga and i can get one for around $190 online. it has a 5 inch screen. i've seen dvd players for around 125 and they have the benefit of playing dvds which would be cool to have on the wall for parties and the holidays. you know having the family gather for chistmas and watching paris hilton getting her stocking stuffed.

so does anyone have a rec for a player? is it true about the resolution, and is there a brand that's better at playing jpegs?

You, and my hat is off to you sir, are a professional.

I won a portable dvd player from work. An 8" polaroid. It plays jpegs., cds, cd-r's, etc. I viewed some photos on it and was less than impressed. The resolution is pretty poor. Theres no comparison to viewing them on my Sony lcd comp. monitor. It is good enough I guess, to carry around and be able to show people photos, but if I'm at home I would definitely use the computer or tv to view them. I can't compare it to a digital frame because I haven't seen one of those live.