15. Hi-Den Vision HDMI 1080p Digital Photo Viewer

Hi-Den Vision HDMI 1080p Digital Photo Viewer

$68.98

If dad is great at photography, but not so keen on home networking, a digital photo viewer might be the best way for him to show off his snapshots to the entire family. Instead of using a wireless or wired home network, the Hi-Den Vision HDMI photo viewer uses a low-tech media sharing network we call the “Sneaker net,” as in: dad walks (in his sneakers, or barefoot, as the case may be) from his office where the content (like photos, videos and music) is stored, to the TV, carrying a small storage card.

Yes, there are many other ways to share media around a home, but why should dad have an expensive photo sharing device like an Xbox 360 or media extender, when all he really wants is to put his photos on the flat screen TV? This product is under $70, while most networked media sharing solutions cost at least twice that amount. This little box reads media off of USB devices, or any device that uses the following storage formats: SD, SDHC, XD, MMC, MS and CF. It can also spruce up a photo slideshow with sixteen snazzy photo transitions.

This device uses an HDMI cable, but it won’t take up a precious HDMI port on the back of the TV. Instead, it turns itself into an HDMI switch, which means another device, such as a Blu-ray player, can connect to the TV’s HDMI port through the digital photo viewer.

Now, for the ultimate Father’s Day gift, indulge dad with a family viewing session of his photo collection.