Entered CNET Catalog: 03/04/2007
SKU: 041778714942
Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co.
Manufacturer description
KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Picture Frames play vibrant slideshows of your favorite pictures and video set to music. The frames are color tuned to Kodak standards and use KODAK Color Science for vibrant colors and pleasing skin tones - displaying pictures in brilliant color and crisp detail. Set up is a snap, and you can enjoy any JPEG picture, most video types (MPEG 1 and 4, MOV, AVI) and MP3 music using all the popular memory card formats (CF, SD, MMC, xD and MS). You can also source digital files from any digital still camera, home PC, Jump Drive and Flash Drive via USB 2.0. Stereo speakers are built into the frames for dramatic sound accompaniment to your slide shows. KODAK EASYSHARE EX1011 Digital Picture Frame has a 10-inch (diagonal) 800 x 480 high resolution digital display in 16:9 aspect ratio with wireless access of pictures, videos and music from your home PC or online at KODAK Gallery over a standard wireless home network. The frame has 128 MB of built-in memory for storing pictures and videos, built-in stereo speakers and headphone jack for music.Product summary
The good: Built-in wireless connectivity enables you to tap into your home wireless network and stream images from your Windows PC or the Kodak EasyShare Gallery online photo-sharing service. The frame has a bright, relatively sharp 10-inch diagonal display, 128MB of built-in memory, plus slots for virtually all memory card types, as well as USB connectivity for computers and thumbdrives. The EX-1011 supports MP3 and video playback (with sound), ships with a small remote control, and is compatible with PictBridge-enabled printers. It's also easy to set up and has a well-designed interface.
The bad: Fairly pricey; the built-in speakers sound very tinny; and when transferring photos to the display's internal memory, images aren't automatically resized to the size of the display to reduce file sizes. Music playback controls could be more straightforward.
The bottom line: Kodak's Wi-Fi-enabled EX-1011 offers the same strong feature set, good image quality, and online integration with the company's free EasyShare Gallery online photo-sharing service as its highly rated 8-inch brother, the EX-811--but the EX-1011's bigger screen size has more visual impact, especially in larger rooms.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/07/2007
Earlier this year, we reviewed Kodak's EX-811 8-inch digital photo with built-in wireless connectivity and were generally very impressed with the product.
More recently, Kodak sent us a sample of the larger, 10-inch model in the same series, the EX-1011, which sells for about $250. Except for its size, this step-up model is identical to the EX-811 in every way, so we apologize if this review sounds awfully like the review for that model. Even though they share so many features, it's still important for us to take a look at the image quality on the 10-inch EX-1011 before slapping an official rating on the frame.
Like we said with the EX-811, what's compelling about the EX-1011 is that it has built-in wireless connectivity that allows you to tap into your Windows PC, and more importantly, the Kodak's EasyShare Gallery online photo-sharing service. While the EX-811 is also loaded with features such as MP3 and video playback support, the real key feature is its Kodak Gallery integration. That takes away the main competitive advantage of Ceiva's photo frames, which incorporate an online component to automatically push images onto your frame. The big difference is that Ceiva's service costs money, while Kodak's is free.
With some wireless photo frames, setup has been arduous, and we've run into trouble trying to connect them to our wireless network. We're happy to report that the setup for the EX-1011 went smoothly. You first install the company's EasyShare Gallery software (it's a special version designed for Kodak's wireless photo frames) on your Windows PC, enable Windows Media Player 11 to share media, sign up for a Gallery account if you don't already have one, then fire up the photo frame, and run through the setup for wireless networks.
The frame automatically detects nearby available networks and asks you for a security key, if you're trying to connect to a secure network. You input the code via a virtual keyboard (we navigated the virtual buttons using the included remote control), and while it's a little tedious, it is a one-time setup.
After you've hooked into your wireless network, the frame will go out and look for compatible streaming devices and find your PC on the network. We tested the frame with a PC running Windows Vista, and everything worked quite well, but you can also run it with Windows XP, so long as you've installed Windows Media Player 11. Streaming photos from our test PC to the frame worked flawlessly, and you also have the option of copying photos from your PC to the frame's 128MB of internal memory.
There are 12 slide show transitions to choose from, and you can create slide shows from specific folders (albums) on your PC or from within the EasyShare Gallery. Additionally, you can share your online Gallery albums with other friends or family members who own one of Kodak's Wi-Fi-enabled frames. In this way, the frame offers similar functionality to Ceiva's subscription-based model.
For example, you can designate one online album for sharing with friends and family, continually updating it with photos. After a short setup process, friends and family can then view that album on their frames and choose to copy the images to the frame's internal memory. Those images could then be printed out (you can connect the frame directly to a PictBridge-enabled printer) or transferred to a computer for storage.
You can also stream music (MP3 files) and select video file types from your computer to the frame. Files can be viewed or copied from all major memory card formats, as well as thumbdrives, when using the included mini-to-normal-size USB adapter.
A couple of notes for Mac owners: Currently, Kodak doesn't provide an application that allows you to stream photos from your Mac to the frame. However, the frame works on the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) network protocol, and there are third-party UPnP Mac apps out there such as Twonkyvision MediaServer that are compatible with the frame (the same goes for third-party Windows and Linux-based UPnP media server apps).
That said, if all you're interested in doing is streaming your EasyShare Photo Gallery to the frame, you don't have to worry what computer you have because that functionality requires only an online connection, not a PC.
While wireless connectivity is the EX-1011's key feature, it would have a solid feature set, even without it (indeed, Kodak makes the step-down SV-1011 if you don't need the built-in Wi-Fi).
True, there are other frames out there with similar-size screens that offer playback of video and audio files. However, Kodak's done a nice job making the frame's interface easy to use, and while the frame isn't ultraslick in its looks, it comes in a simple, understated interchangeable black outer frame with a glossy black inner frame, which surrounds the 10-inch diagonal, 8.8-by-6-inch wide-screen LCD.
Kodak offers a limited selection of optional faceplates (outer frames), to change the look of the frame, for about $20 on the company's Web site, though we had trouble finding them from online retailers so you might have to buy them directly from Kodak.
On the back, you'll find keyhole slots for mounting the frame on a wall, and a tripod mount if you want to set it up on a small tripod stand. The flip-out stand on the back allows you to prop the frame up horizontally--but not vertically--but one of the keyhole slots gives you the option of mounting the frame vertically on a wall with a single screw or picture hook (not included). If you plan to hang it on a wall, remember that you still have to plug it in, since the frame doesn't run on batteries.
The EX-1011 screen resolution is the same as the EX-811's. The 800x480 display has 128MB of memory built into it. On the side, you'll find slots for Compact Flash, SD, MMC, xD, and Memory Stick memory cards, which gives you the ability to display hundreds or even thousands of photos, as well as play back AVI, MOV, MPEG 1, and MPEG 4 video files, and MP3 audio files. As noted, you can choose to leave the images (or video) on the card or transfer however many will fit into the display's remaining internal memory. Another option is to upload photos from your camera or computer to the display via a USB cable.
When transferring photos to the display's internal memory, some photo frames, including the Philips 9FF2M4, automatically resize the images to the size of the display, reducing their file sizes in the process. However, this model doesn't do that--yet--so if you've shot images at a high resolution, you're going to eat the internal memory up pretty fast (with even snapshot cameras producing images in excess of 3MB per image, you're looking at only storing 40 photos or so on the frame). Of course, if you know you're shooting photos to store on the frame, you could reduce the resolution setting on your camera or, better yet, resize the images yourself before transferring them to the frame.
To test the frame's file playback capabilities, we loaded up an SD card with audio, video, and image files. We had no problem locating the various types, using the included small remote control to navigate the menu system. The frame was able to play back the majority of the AVI and MPEG 4 files we threw at it, and Kodak says it tried to make sure the frame was able to support video output from most major still cameras (many camera phone video formats are supported, as well). Just don't expect the built-in stereo speakers' sound quality to blow you away. It's passable, but the EX-1011 isn't designed to be a tabletop stereo.
As for the remote, it's one of the better ones we've seen ship with a photo frame, with clearly labeled buttons that activate key functions (there's a set of buttons on the top of the frame itself, but it's much more convenient to control the frame with the remote). We also appreciated that Kodak includes a plastic remote holder that snaps into the keyhole slots on the back of the frame (so long as you aren't using them for mounting purposes). Since the remote is small, it's good to have a place to store it when you're not using it so you won't misplace it. We should note that you have to point the remote directly at the IR sensor on the frame at fairly close range (within 5 feet or so) to get it to respond to your button pushes.
As for picture quality, the EX-1011's was on par with that of the EX-811. Images appear sharp and detailed, with accurate colors, and only a little stair-stepping in images where there are curved lines, such as the outline of a person's shoulder. In other words, those lines may not be totally smooth curves, but they aren't clearly jagged, either (the jaggie phenomenon is because of lack of pixel density).
As noted, the display is a wide-screen LCD, with a resolution of 800x480 pixels. While some cameras can now offer a setting that enables you to take wide-screen pictures, most cameras still serve up 4:3 images that would fit perfectly on a 640x480 display.
When you go up to 800x480, the display ends up cropping some of the image. Kodak claims that its frame does this with utmost care to preserve as much of your original photo as possible, but inevitably, some of it will be missing. You can choose to display your photo in native 4:3 aspect ratio with black bars on either side of the photo, but most people will find it preferable to fill the screen with their images, even if it means losing a little bit of the image (sometimes, of course, a little cropping is good).
It's worth noting that you do lose a little bit of detail when streaming images from your online EasyShare Gallery. This reviewer set up the frame to view pictures from his gallery, as well as his brother-in-law's gallery (it's easy to toggle between various albums). Images are already compressed for online viewing, so you're not getting the native image streamed to the frame.
That said, because the frame doesn't offer superhigh resolution, so long as your photos--or your friend's or family member's photos--are of a decent quality to begin with, they'll look just fine when streamed to the frame. We should also point out that in some of the early frames that Kodak shipped, your Gallery images wouldn't fill the whole display and ended up with a 1-inch black border around the whole picture. Kodak has since fixed the problem with a firmware upgrade (yes, the frame is firmware-upgradeable) and pictures now are displayed correctly, filling the whole screen.
Minor gripes aside, the EX-811 and EX-1011 are still the Wi-Fi frames of the moment to beat, though that may change, as a number of new Wi-Fi frames come out in 2008. While neither the EX-811 nor EX-1011 are ultrastylish-looking, their key competitive advantage is their online integration with EasyShare Gallery--and it also doesn't hurt that Kodak's done a good job of making it easy to set up the frame to work with your wireless network and interact with your PC, as well as your EasyShare Gallery.
If you're trying to decide between the 8-inch model and this 10-inch model, it really comes down to what your budget limitations are, and where and how you plan on displaying the frame. If you're looking to make more of an impact and have your photos seen from farther away, the 10-inch model is significantly bigger and probably worth the extra $50 or so.
Editor's note: Along with this 10-inch model, Kodak also makes an 8-inch Wi-Fi-enabled frame, the EX-811 model, as well as four models without wireless connectivity, the 10-inch SV-1011, the 8-inch SV-811, the 7-inch SV-710, and the 5-inch S510.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11out of 11 user reviews
Very bad service
Pros: Nice when it worked sending photos from the computer
Cons: No service
out of 11 user reviews
Good quality construction and images.
Pros: Works as advertised and easy to install wireless capabilities. Remote control is a useful feature. Images are bright but not scaled.
Cons: Audio is tricky to use. Haven't figured out if the video from my digital camera can be displayed. If it is it is not a straight forward process.
out of 11 user reviews
Wi-Fi is better than you would think from these reviews
Pros: Wi-Fi actually works great streaming from a Tversity media server. Just enter your network information and it will see your tversity server with your shared pics. Also works great streaming from Windows Media (as it says in the directions)
Cons: Does not stay connected to your media server using the auto on/off feature. When turned back on, it defaults back to internal pictures and you have to tell it to use the external streaming album again.
out of 11 user reviews
Wireless not useful, problems with displaying from flash memory
Pros: good ideas....
Cons: doesn't work as advertised
At first glance you may find that this option works but try this over a period of a few months and you will find that this option is buggy, and unreliable. In addition to some of the other problems that have been mentioned you will find that the wireless connection often does not work even if your frame is a few feet from the router. Calls to product support did not resolve the issues. (I could not help but notice that the new models do not even contain wireless abilities)
I have also found that if you have more than 1000 files on a flash memory card the frame will often seize up.
Finally the transitions are quite simplistic...
I am sorry I purchased this frame.
out of 11 user reviews
Features fall short of being useful
Pros: Nice picture quality
Cons: Poorly developed features
Quite frankly, I dont know how this frame gets as high of ratings as it does. I had to take back the first frame at Kodak techs' request and get another one, only to have the same problems.
The wireless feature is slow, even when it is right beside the wireless router. It frequently disconnects, then just reverts back to the main menu waiting for user input. When it did work, we used the automatic on/off timer, when it came on at the start of the day you have to manually tell it to go to the wireless network, then pick the folder you want, then pick slideshow.
The internal memory is a lousy 128MB. File transfers using USB with my computer and a new install of Windows XP would only let me fill the memory about half full. Transfer errors came up saying it cant find the destination and all memory card locations would disconnect. I used the enclosed EasyShare program to shrink the file sizes for picture frames and all I could get on was about 170 pictures. It did play them alright though. The biggest disappointment was the lack of random playback feature. Dont confuse this with random slideshow which is just the visual transition between pictures. This feature is even on most bargain basement frames.
Then I thought things would be better if I bought an SD card. I have thousands of photos I would like to play, so again I shrunk about 4000 pics which didnt even fill half of the 2GB card (I have thousands more I want to put on). By default the frame will play from the SD card when turned on. When turned on and you select the SD card it just sits there locked up for 10 minutes, then resets itself. I dont know if there is a limit on pictures, I cant find any information on this spec.
So to the enclosed documentation I go. This is poorly written, with few details at all on the features, big pictures, and written for a grade 3 level. The online information is not much better. Really disappointed.
The only plus side was I contacted Kodak tech support online and they did get back to me usually by the next day, but the help I did get did not solve any of the problems.
Along with the other probems with my Kodak camera, this has put me off from going to Kodak for anything else in the future. I am looking at the Sony DPF-V900 now as it is on sale at my local Future Shop, and has all the features I want.
Ensure your store has a good return policy before committing to buy this one.
This could have been a great frame, but Kodak has not spent the time and effort to fully develop the features to make it worth while. I hoped for a newer firmware update to fix these issues, but I cant wait forever. This one goes back to the store.
Hope this helps.
out of 11 user reviews
Buy It - Even if it's a few bucks more then what you're looking at!
Pros: Crisp, Vivid - Easy setup for the most part.
Cons: The stand in the back
I first bought the 8", but soon after I started selecting some photos, I knew I wanted something bigger so I opted to buy the 10" at Best Buy, returning the 8". I am happy I did. For older people, including my parents the extra 2 inches helps them see the photos clear across the room.
This is a plug and play machine. Stop worrying about the internal memory and get yourself a 1GB SD card for $10. Put the photos on there that you want to see and its magic. Simply put it in the digital frame and you'll see the entire slide show.
I did install the wireless, and after a little fumbling got it to connect to my computer. Unfortunately, before I left, I couldn't get it to connect to the Kodak Gallery. This is what excites me the most actually. Imagine simply sending the photos to your parents or loved ones thru the gallery (for free) and it shows up on the digital photo frame. This is what is possible with the automatic option on the frame.
Again, I will most probably have that up and running next time I'm at home in a couple of weeks, but it's truly a wonderful product. I went out to Brookstone and bought the slide/negative to digital photo converter and for them to see old school photos of themselves and us (their kids) almost brought a tear to their eye.
Also, I did compare it to PanDigital, etc. Kodak is a trustworthy brand name device. I was confident that if anything went wrong, they would fix it within a year. Why mess with companies you don't know? And the prices were comparable. If you have a few extra dollars, splurge for the 10 inch screen. If not, don't worry about it.
Don't forget to get the 1GB SD card which should fit enough photos on there for a while. It's only $10 at Best Buy this week. Also, the stand that I talk about -- I don't like it too much, but I simply pt a book for it to lay on and it works perfectly. Without that book, if you're sitting down it goes too down, if that makes sense. I would like to eventually hang it if I get the time. Small detail, and easily fixable.
out of 11 user reviews
Don't buy if you want to stream pictures from your PC
Pros: Nice picture frame if your only looking to display pictures from the built-in memory.
Cons: Wifi capability of the frame is only usefull to copy pictures to the built-in memory, not to stream directly from a PC. A USB stick works just as well for that purpose.
1) Display pictures in random order (shuffle)
I have 10,000+ pictures on my PC. I want them to be shown in random order on the digital frame. Also, everytime the frame is powered ON/OFF i want to have a different seed for the random generator to be used such that everyday there is a fresh new set of pictures being displayed on the screen.
2) Resume streaming after being powered ON
As it is, each time the digital frame is turned OFF than back ON it goes back to the main screen and i have to manually select again to stream pictures from my PC. I want to be able to use the built-in timer to display pictures on the frame during the day only, in the morning when the frame starts up i want it to automatically start streaming again without ANY user intervention.
These two features are critical for a seamless streaming experience, without it this frame wireless capability is only usefull to transfer picture to the built-in memory... which is a scenario i just don't care about.
I'll be bringing back this frame to the store. Hopefully these problem will be addressed in the future and i can consider Kodak again for digital frame for myself or gift to my friends and family.
out of 11 user reviews
Good size - Lacks features
Pros: Size & simple setup and user controls
Cons: Lacks Random feature & Battery
out of 11 user reviews
Great Product
Pros: Price, & Quality
Cons: Size could be bigger
out of 11 user reviews
Good, but needs work
Pros: Nice bright image, timer, and easy set up
Cons: Memory issues, no Mac support, WiFi is SLOW
Now the bad, no Mac support is misguided. We run two iMacs in the house and had to buy additional software in order to stream directly from the Mac. Streaming from the Mac, as well as transfers, is SLOW and the unit kept crashing. It is actually much easier and quicker to take the frame to the computer and hook it up with a USB lead. I do not use Kodak Photo Gallery, and I do not really need yet another Photo service. I just would like to have an album in iPhoto stream directly to the frame, without all the fuss of transferring the photo's and ordering them etc. The most annoying issue is that the frame does not integrate the internal memory with the SD Card. So you can not run a single slide show over both memories. Also it does not "see" the Memory card when the frame starts up. Ideally I would like to be able to set it up to switch itself on, go and check the online gallery, and then run the slide show. At the moment it does the switching on part, but it always runs the default slide show (pictures on the internal memory only).
It is a good frame, with the potential to be really good. It needs to be more user friendly. There has just been a firmware upgrade released. I have upgraded the frame (which was very easy) but I have not tested the new firmware extensively. For day to day use, it needs to just start and work, with no user interaction. Otherwise it is an expense bit of kit which is rarely used.
PS An internal battery would be nice as well.
out of 11 user reviews
Wireless, but pointless
Pros: Wireless built-in!
Cons: But only with EasyShare!
Open the Wi-Fi on this frame Kodak!
