Video Magnifiers

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated October 30, 2017

Video magnifiers (formerly called closed-circuit televisions or CCTVs) use a stand-mounted or handheld video camera to project an image onto a screen (ex. video monitor, television, computer monitor, iPad, etc.). With this device, people with low vision can read books, magazines, newspapers, manage a checkbook, read prescription bottles, or view photos comfortably. Most models allow for the user to adjust the magnification, contrast and illumination to suit the individual student’s needs. Using a video magnifier increases independence in accessing small size print, reduces the need to produce large print, has been shown to improve reading rate and efficiency and encourages writing through visual confirmation.

In black and white models, the student may also change the polarity from black on white to white on black. In color models, the student may adjust polarity as well as choose the color of text and background. With this equipment, the student is able to view print material of all types as well as charts, diagrams, and photographs. Color monitors allow persons with visual impairments to take full advantage of the pictures and color cues used in charts, maps, and other educational materials. 

The downside with any electronic equipment is that it needs to be placed near an outlet (unless you are using a portable device that is battery powered). Also, if it is positioned in the front of the classroom, it may obstruct the view for other students and the student's work is visible to others. Another challenge is that materials must be laid flat to avoid glare, improve readability and function properly. An extra-wide binding margin is especially helpful in books and other bound material, because it makes it easier to hold the volume flat.  An anti glare, clear,  Plexiglas board can be placed over the material to help create a flat surface. 

Here are some key benefits and features of video magnifiers:
 

• Enhanced Magnification: Video magnifiers utilize a camera to project an enlarged image of printed materials onto a screen, allowing students to adjust the magnification level to their specific needs. This feature is particularly useful for reading small print or viewing detailed images with clarity.
• Contrast Enhancement: Many video magnifiers offer customizable contrast settings, allowing students to adjust the colors and contrast of the displayed image to improve readability. This feature is beneficial for individuals with low vision who may have difficulty distinguishing text from the background.
• Expanded Field of View: Video magnifiers provide a larger field of view compared to traditional magnifying glasses, allowing students to view more content on the screen at once. This extended view is especially helpful when reading lengthy passages or examining complex diagrams or charts.
• Distance Viewing: While video magnifiers are primarily designed for near viewing, some models also offer distance viewing capabilities, allowing students to magnify and view objects or materials located at a distance. This feature can be useful for tasks such as viewing classroom presentations or accessing information displayed on a whiteboard.
• Portability: Some video magnifiers are compact and portable, allowing students to easily transport them for use in various settings. Portable video magnifiers enable students to access printed materials outside of the classroom, such as reading labels in stores, menus at restaurants, or maps while traveling.
• XY Table: Many video magnifiers come with an XY table, which is a movable platform that allows students to adjust the position of the printed material for optimal viewing. The XY table enhances tracking and scanning abilities, enabling students to navigate through text or images more efficiently.

Stand Video Magnifiers

Some students will prefer larger monitors as it will allow them to view more information at a time. A camera projects the image of the material onto a television screen at the student’s eye level. Most models fit onto a small table and are somewhat portable. In some schools, the table is placed on wheels to allow the student to move the device to various locations. Typically, stand video magnifiers come with an x-y table, or it can be purchased separately. The printed material is placed on the x-y table which is a movable table that allows for fluid movements horizontally and vertically. The table can also be adjusted to remain in place.

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Video Magnifiers with Distance Capabilities

There are many electronic video magnifiers on the market now that are able to toggle between near and distance which allows the student to view what is presented at a distance without having to hold a monocular or binocular, thus allowing for hands free distance viewing. 

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Portable Video Magnifiers

Portable models are also available for students who have more movement during the school day. The advantage of portable video magnifiers is that they are lightweight and portable allowing a student can easily take them with them as they transition to different environments. There are a variety of portable electronic magnifiers or hand-held magnifiers. Some have a small camera that is passed over the text, while others use a compact version of the desktop monitor. 

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Optical Character Recognition

Some video magnifiers feature full page OCR capabilities. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology allows persons who are blind or visually impaired to scan printed text/image and then listen to synthetic speech that reads the text/image or save it to a computer. The three parts of OCR technology including scanning, recognition and reading text. A camera scans the text/image, the OCR software converts the text/image into recognized characters and words and then a synthesizer in the system speaks the text. The information can then be stored in electronic form.

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Selecting the Right Video Magnifier

There are increasing improvements and product developments in today's market! Many newer video magnifiers have a smaller footprint, are compact and foldable and lightweight making them an excellent choice for the classroom and for students who move locations throughout the day. Many of the newer models can be used with a laptop or iPad, and can be easily adjusted to view information at near, view self or view information at a distance.

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

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