How to Connect a Digital Photo Frame to a PC Monitor

Digital photo frames allow you to display photos from your computer or digital camera in an aesthetically pleasing frame that can accent any room or table.

But digital photo frames can now be connected to a PC, effectively making the digital photo frame a small second monitor that can be used along with the existing PC monitor.

Samsung has a digital photo frame (see Resources) that is specially designed to connect to a PC and automatically act as a second mini monitor, without any additional video-card connections. There are two models available; the frames already have software on board that will allow them to be used as a second monitor without additional drivers.

The Samsung is recommended because it does not act just as a mirror image screen ,rather as an extended display allowing you to do two separate tasks on each screen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• USB cable

1. Connect the digital photo frame to an available USB port on the PC. Turn on the PC and the digital photo frame.
   
   Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port on the digital photo frame (this end is usually smaller) and connect the other end to the USB port on the PC itself.

2. Wait for the PC to automatically detect the USB-connected digital photo frame. If the frame screen does not automatically become an extended display (you should see your desktop on the screen), consult the frame's instructions for details on how to troubleshoot this problem.
   
   You can test the extended display function by moving your mouse cursor off each side of the main PC monitor screen. If the display functions properly, the cursor will show up on the digital photo screen and be able to select and click on icons and files.

3. Move any photo files that you want to display on the digital photo frame. Do so by copying and pasting each file into the connected USB device; the files should show up on the desktop on your computer. Many photo frames have built-in memory for this feature.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you plan on using the frame to display photos as well, you may be better off purchasing a larger flat-screen computer monitor to use as a secondary extended display. Make sure to plug in the power supply for the digital photo frame, as the USB connection will not self-power it.

References

• A look at the Samsung SPF-85V photo frame

Resources

• http://www.gadgetvenue.com/samsung-102-photo-frameusb-monitor-07245713/