Picture this: Insignia digital picture frames may carry virus

Best Buy is investigating a factory installed virus that has infected select Insignia digital picture frames. Insignia is Best Buy's in-house electronics brand.

On Jan. 19, Insignia issued a product alert for "a limited number" of infected 10.4 inch digital picture frames (Model: NS-DPF10A).

Here's what Insignia had to say in its initial advisory:

It recently came to our attention that a limited number of Insignia 10.4" digital picture frames (model number NS-DPF-10A) were contaminated with  a computer virus during the manufacturing process. Once informed, we immediately pulled all units of this product from stores and retail web sites as a precautionary measure to protect our customers.  This product has been discontinued, and no additional inventory will be sold.  Please note that no other Insignia digital picture frame products are affected by this issue.

However, some affected units were purchased at a Best Buy store or from www.bestbuy.com before the issue was detected. While this is an older virus which is easily  identified and removed by current anti -virus software, we are taking this situation seriously.  We apologize for the inconvenience that has been caused as a result of this incident.

What's annoying is how Insignia downplays the virus. It notes that "not every digital picture frame is contaminated," if you haven't connected the frame to your PC you are fine and if you have antivirus software there won't be any problems. Meanwhile, the virus only impacts Windows.

Why doesn't Insignia just recall the frames? It's a factory installed virus. It's the company's fault and it should deliver a new frame or credit.

Insignia concludes:

If you do not have up-to-date anti-virus software, or if you have any questions about your digital picture frame, please call Insignia customer care at 1-877-467-4289.

As of Jan. 23, Insignia said it is still investigating and providing individual support.