Panasonic MW-20 Digital Photo Frame Is Also A Sound System

The digital image frame craze was biggest a few years back; it was "the" must-have holiday gift, and ever since they've dwindled in popularity. We see them coming out less and less, because they have reached a point where it's hard to innovate beyond where they currently are. But Panasonic's newest frame actually is rather enticing.

The MW-20 is slim device that looks a lot like the Sony Dash, and aside from being a digital photo frame, it's also a multi-media system. Unlike most frames, this one has a built-in stereo sound system that's compatible with the iPod touch and iPhone, and it can play back both videos and photos on the 9" display. Beneath the screen, there's a 5.6mm "Super Slim Semi Dome Speaker and a diffuser that optimizes the sound." There's even a DSP processor to improve audio quality.


It also features an Adjustable Angle Display, and with the supplied fixture, the MW-20 can be positioned in landscape orientation or hung on a wall. There's an SD card slot for adding photos, and 2GB of memory is included. The MW-20 features the LUMIX Scene Mode Playback function, which enables users to play back selected groups of photos shot with a Panasonic LUMIX digital camera using the iA Intelligent Scene Selector mode (Night Scenery, Portrait, Scenery, etc.), and it features 15 different display patterns to show a calendar, clock, photo – whichever combination the user prefers.

The unit will ship in late November for $249.95.

Panasonic Announces Digital Photo Frame - Complete With Stereo Sound System for Playing Photos, Music and Videos With Exceptional Quality

New Panasonic MW-20 is a Versatile and Stylish Multimedia System, Compatible with iPod Touch® and iPhone® for Convenient Playback

SECAUCUS, N.J., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced the MW-20, a digital photo frame that doubles as a stereo sound system, complete with iPod Touch® and iPhone® compatibility – using the supplied cradle to display photos and play music stored on the popular mobile devices is easy and convenient. The MW-20, a slim multimedia system, also charges the iPod Touch/iPhone while it is connected to the cradle.

The Panasonic MW-20 can play back videos and photos on its large, high-resolution 9-inch screen, while incorporating advanced audio technology to provide superb sound quality.

Below the screen, there is a 5.6-mm Super Slim Semi Dome Speaker and a diffuser that optimizes the sound. In addition, the built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) adjusts the audio signal to suit the audio characteristics of this speaker system.

"The Panasonic MW-20 has a stylish and slim design that will complement any home decor and given its versatility to display photos, videos, play music and even charge an iPhone – we think this will be a welcomed addition this holiday season," said David Fisher, Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Beyond its design and versatility, the MW-20 is also a powerful gadget – with exceptional sound quality to listen to music and a large nine-inch screen to view digital photos and videos."

The MW-20 has an Adjustable Angle Display(1) system that allows the angle to be changed to suit the viewing direction. With the supplied fixture, the MW-20 can be positioned in landscape orientation or hung on a wall. The MW-20 can display photos shot with a digital still camera by inserting an SD Memory Card into its slot. The MW-20 has 2GB of built-in memory for additional storage. The MW-20 features the LUMIX Scene Mode Playback function, which enables users to play back selected groups of photos shot with a Panasonic LUMIX digital camera using the iA Intelligent Scene Selector mode (Night Scenery, Portrait, Scenery, etc.). The MW-20 features 15 different display patterns to show a calendar, clock, photo – whichever combination the user prefers.

The MW-20 features an environmentally-conscious power-saving feature, with a luminance sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen according to the room lighting. For instance, when a room is dark, the MW-20 automatically shuts off. The Panasonic MW-20 will be available in late-November 2010 with a suggested retail price of $249.95. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.