Video magnifiers, commonly referred to as CCTVs, make reading text and images on screen much simpler, making everyday tasks easier for visually impaired individuals. These assistive technologies help make their daily tasks a reality.

Depending on the model, CCTVs offer options such as line markers and window masking; text-to-speech capability and computer compatibility – making them one of the most useful low vision devices for patients.

1. Magnification

Electronic video magnifiers (Closed Circuit Television Magnifiers) differ from traditional low vision magnifiers by using special cameras that focus on whatever it is you are viewing before projecting an electronically magnified image onto a screen. Electronic video magnifiers are becoming much more affordable and are an excellent solution for those requiring magnification in everyday life.

There are various electronic video magnifiers on the market, from desktop behemoths to portable hand-held models. Prices, features, and capabilities of each vary from basic to advanced; generally they offer various magnification settings and enhancement modes that meet most visually impaired user’s needs.

Not only can these devices magnify, they often also come equipped with various other features beyond magnification such as normal color and black-on-white viewing modes, reverse mode, split screen capability, line markers and window masking capabilities. Furthermore, those computer compatible may feature options for Optical Character Recognition (OCR) scan and Text to Speech (TTS).

Consider how important eye health is when selecting the ideal magnification device. Without active use of your eyes, they will weaken and eventually lose their functionality; magnifier devices can help keep you active and independent while using them as long as possible. Speak with a low vision rehabilitation specialist about which electronic magnifiers are available and how best to utilize them.

2. Color

CCTV, or Closed Circuit Television, refers to a camera mounted either to a monitor or stand and used for magnifying images and text on screens. Many models offer various options including black-on-white, white-on-black, color, freeze frame and split screen modes as well as line markers that facilitate reading; window masking (darkening the area above and below lines of text so they stand out); Text-To-Speech capability where the CCTV will read aloud what has been printed out) as well as Text-To-Speech capabilities whereby it will read aloud what has been printed out onto screens – these features make modern day models essential in any business environment!

Recently, portable CCTVs that project text or an image onto a standard television screen have become readily available. Since these small CCTVs fit easily into purses and pockets, they tend to be used by those on-the-go for work, school or other activities outside their homes. Although their smaller screens limit magnification capabilities and the amount of text or image that can be displayed, their portability makes them generally easier than desktop CCTVs and makes life simpler overall.

3. Contrast

A well-designed CCTV can reduce glare caused by contrast between light and dark areas on a screen or printed text. A gray lens may help resolve this problem as it decreases shortwave light rays impacting cloudy media while simultaneously decreasing reflection light off glossy surfaces and improving contrast on paper.

Desktop CCTVs typically provide line markers, window masking (which darkens the space above and below text lines to ‘highlight’ them), screen color options, reverse polarization capability, text-to-speech capability and many other features. Many also allow laptop computers to be connected so documents or images can be scanned into and stored directly onto their monitors.

Marquee, a high school student living with Retinopathy of Prematurity, uses CCTV to read his learning material and chalkboard notes more easily. Additionally, audio versions of learning material helps him better comprehend them – plus Marquee has not learned Braille yet so enjoys having his independence protected as well as its capacity for later study!

4. Resolution

CCTVs, which feature large monitor screens of 17-24 inches wide, can be an invaluable aid for people who are legally blind or severely visually impaired. These electronic magnifiers are considered workhorses of low vision magnification devices because they display greatly magnified text or images while offering features such as white-on-black contrast, freeze frame capability and color options – though their costs are relatively expensive they often offer excellent value for money as covered by Medicare or insurance providers.

New portable CCTVs that resemble computer mice in appearance have recently become available, making them easy to carry around and focus on both distant objects as well as close ones. Some can capture and upload images or text directly onto computers for study later, while some feature combined “screen readers” that process scanned or printed text onto monitors into spoken word output.

Some of the latest CCTVs come equipped with features to assist in reading, such as line markers and window masking. A line marker is a solid line on your monitor window that highlights a line of text to guide you while window masking darkens areas above and below to emphasize it.

5. Storage

The VA is one of the primary providers of CCTVs to blinded veterans, enabling them to engage in daily living activities like spot checking, reading (mail, newspapers, books and magazines), writing forms and filling them out, hobby participation and medication management. Furthermore, CCTVs feature text-to-speech technology which makes text easier for blind veterans as well as line markers and window shading (window masking).

Newer versions of CCTVs come equipped with additional features. Some come equipped with combined screen readers and CCTVs that not only magnify text but will also read it out aloud, while other models feature computer compatibility allowing you to upload documents, pages or images into your PC and work with them there.

Portable CCTVs consist of cameras mounted to monitors or television screens and are typically rectangular in shape. Portable models are smaller than desktop CCTVs (typically 3 to 5 inches in greatest length) making them easily portable; you can even slip one into a pocket, purse or bag! Portables tend to be less costly than desktop versions while still offering many of the same options such as magnification adjustment, white-on-black viewing, freeze frame feature etc.