Find out about the many types of video magnifiers that are available and why one of these might work for you.
What is a video magnifier?
A video magnifier is an electronic version of a glass magnifier and uses a video camera connected to a screen. Printed material and other objects can be placed under the camera and the magnified image is displayed on a hand-held, television screen or a desktop computer monitor.
Many people find they can read more comfortably with a video magnifier than with a traditional glass magnifier and therefore for longer periods. There is no absolute way of knowing whether a video magnifier will help you without trying one for yourself. There may be a local resource centre in your area where they have a selection available to try.
Find the right type of video magnifier that will best suit your needs and the features that are most important to you - there are so many to choose from and all with different qualities and sizes, not to mention the price.
If you have any further questions, or would like more information about the products highlighted in the guide, contact our dedicated Technology Information and Support Team on 0845 900 0015 or 020 7391 2280, by email ict@rnib.org.uk or go online at rnib.org.uk/shop
Why would you want to buy one?
Video magnifiers can provide a high contrast display mode, removing shading so that text is shown as a pure colour on a pure background, making the letters stand out more, making it easier on the eye for reading or doing that crossword you've been meaning to do for ages.
On some magnifiers too, you can also choose between various colour combinations - yellow font on a black background for example and may allow easier reading for certain eye conditions.
Some portable video magnifiers also include an 'image capture' facility. It's not for everyone but just like a camera, you can take and save your picture and even download on to your computer. When you get home, why not allow your talking computer software to read the saved image out to you? This function can be really useful for anyone at school, when a screen shot of the school classroom wipe-board would be great for reviewing class sessions etc. You could also use for looking at price tags, whilst out shopping, or the nutritional information sections of food packets if you are following a particular diet?
What options are available
Video magnifiers can be split into three key categories based on how they work and their intended use.
TV based video magnifiers
These video magnifiers plug into a television and tend to be cheaper than other options as you are only buying the camera. They tend to be built along the lines of a computer mouse so easy to hold in your hand and use the camera that sits on the base of the magnifier. These magnifiers automatically switch to your TV to the correct channel when you turn it on. Choose a different model to suit your needs: black and white or colour camera, high or low magnification or zoom.
The actual amount of magnification will depend on the size of your TV but on a 20 inch TV the low will provide 13 times magnification and the high 24 times. The two new Zoom models have variable magnification from 16 to 57 times using two buttons.
We recommend:
Max magnifiers:
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The Max video magnifier can be connected to your TV via SCART or component cable and has a simple dial to enable you to zoom in and out for different text sizes. It also has two enhanced contrast modes; black text on a white background and white text on black.
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There is also a Max colour option available for slightly more money.
Portable video magnifiers
Primarily portable video magnifiers are intended to be used when you are out and about at the shops, travelling, at school, at work or at home. They have an integrated screen with a battery so it can be used for at least a couple of hours. They vary in size but are generally pocket or handbag sized so are easy to carry around. They are most often used for checking price tags, receipts, timetables, notice boards, bills, menus, newspapers and magazines whilst travelling. What makes each of the models different is their physical size, screen size, weight and camera location.
The size of screen can be particularly important, especially with high levels of magnification as the amount of text that can appear on screen will reduce as the magnification increases. Conversely a larger screen size will increase its physical size and then reduces its portability. It is therefore advisable to discover the size of text you can comfortably read and work backwards from there. As a rough indication, if you require text sizes of over 72 point (1.8 cm) it is unlikely that a portable video magnifier will display enough characters on the screen to allow you to read. In this case a TV based or desktop magnifier would be more suitable for reading.
We recommend:
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Maggie Pro (HC60): Our smallest magnifier weighing just 70g with a 3 inch colour LCD screen and four levels of magnification from 4 to 11 times
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MiniMAX (HC64): a 2.8 inch TFT-LCD screen with 3 to 7 times magnification
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ZOOMAX Snow portable video magnifier (HC76): One of our larger but lighter magnifiers and buttons arranged so easy to use with one hand.
There are many different models available and full details of our range can be found in our Everyday Living catalogue or in the Portable video magnifier section on our Online Shop. Prices start from around £115.00 up to £900.00.
Desktop video magnifiers
As the name suggests this type of video magnifier is intended for use on a desk or work surface. These are standalone machines and as such, have the greatest range of features compared to other types of video magnifier. Generally they have a camera in a fixed position some distance above the desktop and printed material is placed on a reading table. This table is on rollers to allow it to be easily moved left to right and backwards and forwards. The image is viewed on an integrated monitor and can be adjusted for contrast, magnification and colour, all to suit you. Desktop magnifiers can offer a magnification range as low as 1.5 times and as high as 60 times, although the range is usually narrower than this.
Advanced models also have lines, blinds and red dot pointer. A line gives a solid black line horizontally or vertically on the screen which makes following a line or column of text easier. Blinds can be used at the sides or top and bottom of the screen and reduce the amount of text shown on the screen which can make it easier to read by hiding subsequent lines of text. The red dot pointer helps to identify where on a page the camera is focused. This is particularly useful when reading at high levels of magnification. Prices start at £1,195.00 for the basic model with a 19 inch monitor.
We recommend:
Some SmartView Synergy PI Desktop options:
Alternatives if a video magnifier isn't for you
If a video magnifier is too difficult to use or too expensive then it is worth considering DAISY as an alternative reading format. DAISY is primarily an audio format but it can be used to combine audio, text and graphical information in one production. DAISY can be played on a standalone DAISY player, or by using DAISY software on a computer. There's also a really useful demonstration on our RNIB products section of YouTube where we talk to you about how DAISY works.
RNIB National Library Service is a library of professionally recorded DAISY audio books with over 16,000 titles. Members choose a list of books or genres and automatically receive a new book each time one is returned, with up to six books on loan at a time. In addition to these, there is a wide choice of academic and reference titles.
Our products - Instructions
Our instructions are written to make it easier to use the product and understand key features. Products are fully explained including orientation around operating buttons, battery compartment, functions and menus, as appropriate.
We provide instructions in accessible formats. You will receive large print as standard, and can order braille or audio CD with your product to get the most out of your purchase.
Keep up to date
To stay up to date with our full range of products, grab a free copy of our 'Everyday living' catalogue. You can also subscribe - free of charge - to our e-newsletter and our New Product Guide.
Spread the cost by becoming a member
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Contact details
RNIB Helpline
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: rnib.org.uk/shop
Technology Information and Support Team
Telephone: 0845 900 0015
Email: ict@rnib.org.uk
Website: rnib.org.uk/technology
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