Video Magnifiers

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 15, 2025

Formerly known as closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), video magnifiers use a camera to project enlarged images of printed materials onto a screen such as a monitor, iPad, or computer. They are invaluable for students with low vision who need enhanced magnification and contrast to access print.

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Key Features and Benefits

Enhanced Magnification

• Adjustable zoom lets users enlarge print or images for easier reading and writing.
• Increases independence and improves reading speed and comprehension.

Contrast & Color Customization

• Switch between polarity modes (e.g., black on white vs. white on black).
• Choose custom color schemes on color models for better visibility of text, charts, and maps.

Expanded Field of View

• Larger viewing area than handheld magnifiers.
• Helps with reading long passages and interpreting visual data like graphs or images.

Distance Viewing

• Some devices toggle between near and distance views.
• Useful for reading whiteboards, watching presentations, or viewing classmates without using a monocular.

Portability Options

• Portable video magnifiers (battery-powered or USB-rechargeable) allow access on the go: classrooms, field trips, stores, or restaurants.

XY Table

• A movable tray on which materials are placed, allowing smooth left-right and up-down movement while reading.
• Improves tracking and scanning fluency.

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Types of Video Magnifiers

Type	Description	Best For
Stand/Stationary	Larger screen with fixed camera; often on a rolling table; often includes XY table	Students who benefit from a large viewable area and use it in one classroom
Distance-Capable Models	Switch between near and far viewing without using a separate monocular	Students who need hands-free distance access in the classroom
Portable/Handheld	Lightweight, compact, battery-operated models for on-the-go use	Students who move classrooms or need access to print in various environments
OCR-Enabled Models	Includes Optical Character Recognition to convert text to speech or save electronically	Students who also benefit from auditory access or need support for reading endurance

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​Educational Benefits

• Encourages reading and writing through visual feedback.
• Reduces reliance on large print materials.
• Supports access to textbooks, labels, photos, diagrams, and more.
• Allows students to work more independently and with greater efficiency.

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​Considerations and Limitations

• Power Source: Non-portable models require a power outlet.
• Classroom Placement: Large units may block the view of other students.
• Flat Material Required: Glare and readability issues arise if materials are not laid flat.
  • Tip: Use an anti-glare Plexiglas board and books with wide margins for easier positioning.

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Tips for Selecting the Right Device

• Assess needs for screen size, portability, distance viewing, and audio support.
• Consider student mobility, classroom setup, and learning tasks.
• Evaluate models for compatibility with other devices (iPads, laptops).
• Consult with a TVI and AT Specialist to match the right tool with the student’s unique visual profile.

VI Assistive Technology

Basic Use

• Properly cares for AT tools​
• Stores and retrieves device when needed
• Use appropriate tool for the task
• Reports how to acquire, repair, maintain tool

Problem solve

• Check cable connections
• Reboot
• Call tech support
• Recharge device
• Know when to ask adult for help
• Change batteries (if applicable)

Braille Notetaker

• Turn device on/off
• Orient to braille keypad/QWERTY
• Locate keys (previous, back, forward, next, etc.)
• Locate braille display
• Locate ports: serial, parallel, and power
• Connect device to printer, embosser, power
• Use navigational commands
• Use reading commands
• Use general commands

iOS/Tablet

• Use of accessibility features
• Access digital print
• Downloading e-books
• Communicating with device
• Pairing with braille notetaker

Audio

• Adjust speed
• Adjust volume
• Go to specific page
• Move throughout the document
• Set heading level navigation
• Place a bookmark
• Move between bookmarks

Video Magnifier

• Bring various size print “in focus”
• Change image size for various tasks
• Move x-y tray horizontally to scan row
• Move x-y tray vertically to scan rows
• Locate requested items on a page.
• Self-initiate preferred features
• Use line markers to maintain place
• Draw lines to connect pictures in 2 columns
• Use video magnifier to complete reading tasks
• Use video magnifier to complete writing tasks

Basic Computer Use

• Basic computer use (ie shutting down, etc.)
• Touch type all letters
• Use shift key for capitalization
• Touch type numbers and symbols
• Type with increased accuracy
• Type with increased speed
• Use of standard printer
• Use of braille embosser + translation software
• Use of scanner

Access

• Built in Accessibility Features
• Use Screen Magnification Program
• Navigate the windows to locate desired information
• Use Screen Reader Program
• Activate/deactivate and minimize program

Windows Keystrokes

• Move between start button, desktop, taskbar (F6 or tab)
• Open start menu (Windows key or CTRL+ESC)
• Use start menu/desktop icon to open programs
• Display contents of drop-down list (Alt + â)
• Select choice on an icon or drop down list (enter)
• Mark or clear radio buttons (spacebar)
• Close a dialog box or drop down menu (Escape)
• Activate an application menu bar (F10 or Alt)
• Close applications (Alt + F4)
• Maximize a window (shift + windows + M)
• Minimize a window (Windows + M)
• Switch between applications (Alt + tab)
• Get help (F1)
• Use additional keystrokes

Word Processing

• Create a new document
• Move to menu and select from drop-down boxes
• Name and save a document
• Print a document
• Open and close a document
• Move to beginning of line or document
• Move to end of line or document
• Select text
• Cut, copy and paste text
• Undo a previous action
• Use spell check
• Proofread and edit document
• Change character format: font, size, typeface
• Change paragraph alignment
• Format bullets and numbering
• Create a table

Productivity

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• PowerPoint
• Produce assignments in variety of formats
• Microsoft Keystroke commands

Online

• Email
• Open a web browser
• Read a web page
• Activate a link
• Utilize the search command in search engine
• Type in an internet address
• Move forward and back
• Locate a page in the favorites
• Social Media Access
• Download eBooks

"The question is not what you look at, but what you see." - Henry David Thoreau