Closed circuit television magnifiers (CCTV), or video magnifiers, project an electronically magnified image onto a monitor or standard television screen. Used by those unable to use traditional optical magnifiers such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and many other eye conditions that cannot be helped with simple optical magnification devices, these magnifiers offer help.

Video Magnifiers

Video magnifiers are low vision aids that use visual magnification technology to assist daily tasks of living such as reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, checking mail deliveries, shopping online or cooking meals. These low vision assistive technologies allow their users to take full advantage of both residual vision and magnifying features on the device to gain visual independence.

These assistive technology devices come in various sizes and forms, from portable options to desktop video magnifiers with up to 82x magnification and zoom lenses that can be connected to a computer monitor for added functionality. A desktop video magnifier typically consists of a customized camera connected to a monitor for viewing what the camera sees (sometimes up to 82x magnification), lenses for zooming lenses that enable zooming capabilities as well as screen sizing options, color settings, contrast controls and viewing modes to optimize visual assistance.

Portable CCTVs tend to be smaller and lighter, offering monitor screens from 12-17 inches or weighing under five lbs. These units can be invaluable tools for those on the move or living in smaller homes who don’t have much space. Although these may not offer as large of a monitor screen or lens adjustment capabilities, portable units offer great mobility solutions.

New CCTVs are increasingly being released with additional capabilities, including OCR (Optical Character Recognition) which reads text magnified on screen, and multiple-process image and photo processing to enhance visual clarity. More advanced CCTVs may incur additional costs; Medicare typically only covers them if prescribed by a physician as DME (durable medical equipment) for treating medical conditions.

Start exploring these technologies by consulting the January Paths to Technology blog post “Choosing an Appropriate Magnifier Model”. This resource summarizes basic features and functions of available devices that may help narrow your choices down.

Portable Magnifiers

Portable electronic magnifiers use a camera to digitally magnify images and text on an attached screen, often known as video magnifiers. Designed as portable and user-friendly assistive technology (AT) tools that are simple to use anywhere at any time – great for students who can’t see the blackboard, adults who struggle with spreadsheet presentations, or simply to increase reading size without straining eyesight.

Electronic magnifiers differ significantly from their optical counterparts in that they tend to be much smaller and lighter, fitting easily in pockets or handbags and making use on-the-go much simpler and convenient.

Mobile magnifiers tend to provide more features than their desktop counterparts, including various magnification strengths, viewing modes for color and contrast adjustment and some form of computer connectivity. Some models even allow OCR/TTS (optical character recognition and text-to-speech).

Although not providing all of the same functionality that CCTV and PC-aided video magnifiers do, portable magnifiers play an integral part in many lives by helping individuals remain independent while accomplishing daily tasks independently. They may even help those with limited mobility replace Braille with similar aids that may otherwise require learning Braille or learning other low vision aids that may prove more challenging to use effectively.

For visually impaired individuals, the ideal portable video magnifiers are those that are compact, lightweight and provide ample viewing area when used at high magnification levels. Furthermore, they should come equipped with some sort of support system so as to mount them long-term for writing or positioning purposes if desired.

Small handheld portable video magnifiers are an easy and portable way to view pictures, maps, books and documents on the move. Positioned and held like a phone or tablet, these handheld magnifiers allow the user to keep both hands free for reading and writing tasks. Some models feature front-facing cameras which can also help when self-grooming or applying makeup is necessary.

Handheld Magnifiers

An electronic video magnifier provides an excellent portable solution to assist individuals living with macular degeneration, glaucoma or tunnel vision in maintaining their independence. These portable models can be used to magnify newspaper text, maps, recipes, prescription medication labels and many other everyday objects such as newspaper text. Most models also include contrast modes, built-in LED lighting and adjustable magnification options to meet various user needs.

These low vision devices may also offer features to enable the user to capture and freeze an image or document for later review, and often a video magnifier can connect directly with laptop or computer for digital magnification. Some handheld magnifiers offer self-view modes which act like mirrors – perfect for grooming or applying makeup!

Electronic video magnifiers provide digital magnification, unlike optical magnifiers that use glass lenses to increase object sizes. Instead, these handheld electronic video magnifiers use a camera and monitor to perform digital magnification – most models using LCD technology (older models may still use CRT displays). While handheld magnifying glasses may be helpful when reading, electronic magnifiers offer much greater ranges of magnification that can also be adjusted according to individual vision needs.

Portable handheld video magnifiers provide a more convenient alternative to larger stationary closed circuit television (CCTV) systems. Handheld models often come equipped with rechargeable batteries for extended use; other models feature external chargers.

Many individuals with macular degeneration require mobility and do not want to rely on desktop visual aids alone. A handheld electronic video magnifier can easily fit in a bag or briefcase for portability between reading locations – an effective solution for those looking to maintain independence.

When purchasing a handheld video magnifier online or through catalog, it is crucial that the store offers a try before you buy policy. This will drastically decrease the number of magnifiers purchased that go unused while increasing chances of finding a magnifier that fits an individual’s vision needs perfectly.

Video Magnifier Accessories

Desktop video magnifiers use camera lenses to project magnified images onto a monitor or TV monitor, commonly referred to as CCTVs. There are various sizes and styles of CCTVs, some producing full color while others only black and white images; they can be found both at home installations as well as libraries, classrooms and work sites/offices – more expensive than traditional optical magnifiers but providing a broader, in-focus field at higher magnification settings.

Mouse-camera CCTV magnifiers offer an affordable alternative to desktop models. They are designed to connect directly to computers, often including additional hardware that makes them suitable for laptop-use. While less portable than their counterparts, mouse-camera CCTVs also tend to display less information at one time but provide individuals with affordable access to magnification and visual assistance technology.

When purchasing a video magnifier, consult a low vision rehabilitation specialist who can assess your needs and suggest suitable devices. Also try getting one on trial basis prior to making any large purchases from catalogs or the internet; this step may prove especially important.

Some desktop units come equipped with flexible camera mounts that enable users to rotate the unit for near, distance, and self-viewing applications. This flexibility helps the user accomplish tasks such as reading books aloud, writing checks electronically and engaging in hobbies involving intricate details such as needlepoint or model building/painting.

Modern handheld video magnifiers feature an innovative head-mounting system that enables their users to wear the device hands-free – an incredible convenience that frees their hands for activities such as cooking and cleaning without needing additional assistive tools.

There has been growing interest in software video magnifiers that run on smartphones such as iPhone and Android phones, tablets such as iPad and laptops with suitable camera peripherals. While these may not provide as high a quality experience as dedicated-hardware video magnifiers and may quickly drain batteries, they offer an affordable alternative solution for people already possessing or having access to such a device.