Desktop magnifiers, also called CCTVs allow people with low vision to read, write, and view pictures with ease.
A desktop video magnifier consists of a reading tray or table where the material to be viewed sits. Above the reading tray facing downward is the magnifier, and a screen is attached to the magnifier facing the user.
Everything that goes on the reading tray is magnified and projected onto the screen for the user to see. A desktop magnifier is helpful for anyone with low vision who wants to live independently. However, with ticket prices ranging from $1000 to $5000, selecting the right CCTV for your needs can be difficult.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are looking to purchase a CCTV:
1. Do you need a monitor?
There are CCTVs that work with your existing television, CRT or LCD monitor or you can purchase a model that comes with a monitor attached to the reading table. Although you can still find them, CRT models are largely being replaced by the smaller, higher quality LCDs. Also look at monitor sizes; these will be similar to other computer size options as they are essentially the same monitors.
2. Auto focus or manual focus?
Auto focus works similar to your camera. You place the book, prescription bottle, or other item onto the reading table and the CCTV automatically finds the object and zooms for you. With manual focus, you adjust a knob on the magnifier until you can see your book clearly. You can save up to $500 or more by choosing a manual focus magnifier.
3. Do you need color magnification?
If you will mainly be reading and writing, black and white desktop magnifiers are less expensive and will get the job done. If you will be looking at photos, crocheting, or anything that requires colors, full color magnifiers are available.
4. Do you need reverse mode?
Some models have the option to display text in white with a black background. This reduces glare so your eyes aren't strained as much from reading and it is best for people with certain vision impairments such as macular degneration.
5. How much viewing area do you need?
The viewing area tells you how much you can actually view at once on-screen. If you've got a larger viewing area, you can see more at once! This may be important for you depending on the kinds of things you look at regularly. An average viewing area is about 12-15" diagonally.
6. Do you need other features?
Lines and windows are features on some models that make it easier for you to read things on your screen. Windows limits the area that you see onscreen at once, making it easy to find where you are on the object. Lines give you a grid to keep your place in a block of text or to vertically or horizontally mark the area you are viewing.
This should give you a start as you begin to research desktop magnifiers to find one that will best suit your needs.
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