eFilm PicturePAD Press Release
Article by Delkin Devices
DELKIN DEVICES INTRODUCES A PORTABLE VISUAL STORAGE
DEVICE FOR DIGITAL PHOTOS
Poway CA, July 25, 2002 - Delkin
Devices, a leading US manufacturer of high performance digital
photography memory products and accessories, has introduced the
eFilm PicturePAD. This new portable digital storage device for
photos is designed for the traveling digital photographer and
features a built-in color LCD screen for viewing photos and a
high capacity hard drive for storing them. By simply inserting
a flash memory card, the user can instantly access a number of
features for viewing, showing, storing, and organizing digital
images. The PicturePAD is designed to accompany a digital camera
since it is roughly the size and weight of a palm size PDA and
comes with its own carrying case. The unit works independently
of a PC but does offer the flexibility to connect to a computer
via a USB port. Its many functions include the ability to transfer
and organize digital photos as well as the flexibility of viewing
them on either the unit itself or a TV. Delkin President and CEO
Martin J. Wood points out that the latest digital cameras not
only need higher storage capacities, but today's photographers
are more mobile and are looking for easy solutions when it comes
to the way they manage their photographs. "Many vacationers
and professionals who travel with their camera equipment insist
on packing light. The new high-resolution cameras that require
bigger file sizes also require additional costly memory cards.
We feel that the eFilm PicturePAD will be a great companion for
all levels of digital camera users that not only want to save
money on memory, but who are also looking for the portability
and convenience that the PicturePAD's compact size and range of
functions offers."
Initially the PicturePAD's hard drive will be available in capacities
of 20GB and 30GB, but additional sizes will follow shortly after
its initial release. The ultra-bright 1.8" color backlit
LCD screen allows for image viewing instantly as well as presenting
the operating menu for the unit. You can create your own custom
slide shows, perform viewing functions such as zoom, pan, rotate,
and pause as well as traditional file editing operations like
copy, cut, paste, and delete. To optimize the display on the LCD
screen, the built- in video jack allows the unit to connect directly
to a TV or video monitor. Both international TV standards (PAL
and NTSC) are supported, so the PicturePAD can be operated on
practically any TV in the world. Wood believes that being able
to see your photos immediately and check for correct exposure
and focusing is one of the PicturePAD's primary benefits. "
Not only can you easily take it with you on your travels, it's
ideal for family gatherings and business presentations. Seconds
after vacationers take a picture, they can transfer them to the
hard drive, view their shots and organize them before they share
their images." The PicturePAD will be sold at consumer photography
and electronic stores worldwide and online at Delkin's website
at www.delkin.com. The MSRP for the 20GB model is $549.00US (plus
VAT in some countries).
The rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1400mAh battery can power the
unit for over 30 file transfers (based on a 64MB CF Card) and
provide up to an hour of LCD viewing with a full charge. The 110/220
AC power adapter automatically recharges the PicturePAD when the
unit is plugged in. For the many users that will require additional
batteries, Delkin will offer back-up batteries and a full line
of accessories to enhance the PicturePAD's performance. The unit's
hardware and software is designed to accommodate a number of new
standards and peripherals such as a Printer Accessory, and connection
devices for FireWire, USB 2.0, Ethernet, and MP3 music players.
The Printer Accessory enables the unit to connect directly to
a printer without the need of a PC. The accessory snaps easily
on the top of the PicturePAD and integrates with the printer menu
in the operating system where you'll be able to select the printer
model, type of paper, print size, and print resolution. Currently
the Printer Accessory is compatible with the Epson Stylus Photo,
and HP Deskjet and PhotoSmart Series of printers. Delkin will
regularly be updating its printer support list on its website
at www.delkin.com.
In order to keep the PicturePAD pocketsize and portable, the
unit has just a single built-in CompactFlash slot for CF and IBM
Microdrive flash memory cards so adapters are available for SmartMedia,
MultiMediaCard/Secure Digital, and MemoryStick formats. Packaged
software contains all necessary drivers and includes Photoshop
Elements from Adobe (a $100.00 value), which lets the user create
professional quality digital images for both print and the web.
Along with the remote control with battery, carrying bag, rechargeable
battery for the unit, AC adapter, and Adobe Photoshop Elements,
The PicturePAD comes with USB and Video RCA cables and a multi-language
users manual with a quick start guide.
When connected to a TV, the PicturePAD's highly functional on-screen
operating system allows the user to create new files and folders
as well as renaming existing ones. This is all achieved with the
infra-red remote control, which lets the user navigate the menus
with speed and ease. The file menu system incorporates switching
between text, thumbnail, and slideshow modes. In text mode, the
file menu is a familiar Windows-like interface with a virtual
keyboard that accepts long file names so the user isn't limited
by 8.3 specifications when naming their images. Thumbnail mode
allows the user to choose the images graphically and slideshow
mode lets you select a sequence of images within a directory to
display. Here you're able to set the number of seconds for the
slide show interval (anywhere from 3 to 99 seconds) or move the
show manually. For professional photographers, the EXIF header
information can be displayed with the info button on the remote
control. The PicturePAD also doubles as a portable card reader/writer
by letting the user transfer files back and forth between their
computer and a memory card.
Depending on the mode the PicturePAD is in (video or card copy),
the user is prompted as to the settings to activate. When performing
card copy operations, the unit is equipped with a number of useful
features. The user can check for available disk space, copy from
a memory card, verify the data was transferred correctly, and
then have the option to erase the card just to name a few. With
the primary setting functions you can adjust contrast and brightness,
and set the video mode (PAL/NTSC). To save battery life, the user
can set the amount of time before the unit automatically powers
off. The navigational keys let you easily move up, down, left
and right; and two LED indicators show when files are being transferred
and when the unit is charging. All the settings and instructions
can be read in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German.
The eFilm PicturePAD supports Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, Macintosh
9.1 and above.
About Delkin:
Based in San Diego California, Delkin's line of
eFilm Digital Camera products and accessories has long been
an industry leader in media storage for both the consumer and
the OEM markets. Wood credits their success to a long-standing
dedication to high quality products, innovative design, and never
losing sight of their customers needs. "Delkin's aim is to
exceed our customer's expectations in every way. Every member
of Delkin Devices will strive for total customer satisfaction."
eFilm flash memory cards come in CompactFlash, SmartMedia, MultiMedia,
SD
Card, and PC Card formats.
Delkin's digital photography product line grew
out of their initial success in manufacturing office automation
products for OEM's. They continue to be one of the leading US
manufacturers for memory upgrades in copiers, faxes, printers,
and networking equipment.