The Dr. Bill Takeshita Foundation

Last Modified: Fri, 14 Sep 2007

Desktop video magnification systems can help students and adults with low vision to read, write, and work, even when magnifiers and glasses no longer help. Also known as closed circuit televisions (CCTV), desktop video magnifiers provide the highest level of magnification, contrast, and text enhancements along with the widest field of view. They can allow children and adults with low vision to read, write, view photographs, diagrams, read medication labels, paint, and perform a variety of tasks independently.

Desktop video magnifiers consist of a screen; a camera and a X-Y platform where books, paper, and other objects can be place for viewing. The camera projects down on the platform and displays a magnified image on the screen. Users can then move the platform to scroll across the page of text. Most desktop video magnifiers have an auto-focus color camera, which keeps the print in focus at all times. Images can be magnified as much as 50X and the color of the text and backgrounds can be customized to meet the needs of the users. Some have special features such as line guides to help users maintain their place when reading. Other special features include calculators, remote controls, and computer connectivity features, which allows a computer to be connected to the video magnification system. The following reviews are designed to provide consumers with an unbiased review of the most popular video magnification systems. Only those companies who have demonstrated strong financial stability are reviewed. The reviews are listed in alphabetical order and are not in order of ranking or preference.

Enhanced Vision Merlin

The Merlin LCD is an excellent video magnification system that has many standard features, which make it a very good value. It is arguably the easiest video magnification system to use with only 3 buttons on the control panel. The Merlin has a wide-angle color auto-focus camera that displays a sharp image on a 17-inch or 19 inch LCD flat panel monitor. The monitor has multiple adjustments, which allows it to be moved up and down, tilted, and it can also be swiveled from side to side. This is very helpful in reducing reflected glare from overhead lights. The Merlin has standard color select features, which allow users to change the color of the background and text, and a brightness control lever that allows users to adjust the brightness of the screen and text by moving the lever from side to side. The Merlin can also be connected to a computer to allow users to share the Merlin’s monitor with their computer.

The controls of the Merlin are easy to access. They are mounted on the lower portion of the flat panel monitor. The controls are very easy to use and intuitive. On the very right is the on/off button while a large knob in the center adjusts the magnification. A button on the left side of the magnification knob changes the colors of the text and background while a lever on the bottom of the control panel adjusts the brightness. The Merlin has a very large platform to place books, handouts, and other materials for easy reading and writing.

We tested the Merlin and found it to be extremely easy to use. The standard color selection features and computer connectivity package make it a most versatile video magnification system. It was excellent for computer data entry and the large X-Y platform made it very easy to read large books and to write. The brightness adjustment lever was extremely helpful when reading glossy magazine pages and messages written with pencil. We wish the X-Y platform of the Merlin had a friction control to prevent the book from sliding too quickly when reading. We also hope that future versions of the Merlin will be sleeker in design with a more attractive finish. MSRP: 2995 for 19-inch system; $2595 for 17-inch system

Freedom Scientific Topaz

The Topaz has been significantly improved since it was debuted in 2005. The Topaz provides a very sharp and brilliant image with its auto-focus color camera. The colors displayed on the screen were vibrant and the contrast of the text made reading very easy. The distance between the camera and the X-Y platform is very large, providing users ample room to write and read food packages with the Topaz. In addition, the Topaz has a very wide-angle camera, which allows users to see a larger amount of information on the screen.

The control panel of the Topaz is located on the bottom of the screen. There are five controls on the panel. From right to left, there is an on/off button, color select button that changes the colors of the background and text, a large magnification knob in the center, and a focus lock button to the left of the magnification control. This focus lock feature is helpful when writing in that it prevents the camera from focusing on the hands of the user when writing or performing hands-on work. On the very left of the control panel is a brightness control knob, which can be rotated to adjust the brightness of the screen.

The Topaz can be ordered with either a 17-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch LCD monitor. An optional computer compatible module can also be added for those who want to share the same monitor with the Topaz and the computer. It does not come with computer connectivity as a standard feature. However, this feature is an available option.

We found the Topaz to be an outstanding desktop video magnifier. It produces very bright and vivid images of both text and photographs on the monitor. The controls were easy to access. We especially liked the new brightness adjustment control knob, the wide field of view, and the adjustable friction control on the X-Y platform. We hope that future models of the Topaz will have a control panel with fewer buttons to make it easier for older adults to use. We also hope that future versions of the Topaz will be more appealing with a sleeker and cleaner finish. MSRP: $2695 17-inch system; $2995 for 19-inch system; $3495 for 21-inch model.

Attach:MyReader.jpg Δ | The My Reader

Humanware My Reader

The My reader is a very unique desktop video magnification system in that it eliminates the need for users to move the X-Y platform when scrolling across a page of text. The My Reader has a camera that scans an image of the reading materials. The My reader then processes the information and displays it on the 17-inch monitor in a variety of ways. First, it can display the text in a conventional manner as other video magnifiers do. This mode is used for writing and signing checks. A second mode displays the text in a teleprompter mode where the words move down the screen. This eliminates the need for users to move the paper or book. The third mode of display is similar to that of a Wall Street Ticker where the words scroll across the screen from right to left. This is very helpful for users who have blind spots in their field of vision or eye muscle problems.

The controls of the My Reader are located on a control panel that rests on the table or desk. There are multiple buttons and knobs that control various features. The My reader can scan up to ten pages at a time which allows users to read larger bundles of reading materials more quickly.

We found the My Reader to be a very effective desktop video magnification system for those who perform a lot of reading. The My Reader eliminated the need for us to move the reading materials from left to right on the X-Y platform. We especially enjoyed the numerous built-in features that allowed very quick reading. The control panel was initially a bit intimidating but after a few minutes it became very intuitive. We feel the My Reader can be extremely helpful for those patients who have difficulty manipulating the X-Y platform on other video magnification systems as well as those patients who have eye muscle problems and blind spots in their central vision. MSRP: $4995

Attach:Xtend.jpg Δ | The Xtend

Humanware Xtend

The Xtend is a very good video magnification system at an affordable price. It is a modular system, which allows users to purchase upgrades to the system as their needs increase. The Xtend has a color, auto-focus camera with independent brightness controls for both text and photographs. The Xtend has a very small footprint, which makes it attractive for people who do not have a lot of room for a video magnification system at their home, desk, or office.

The controls of the Xtend are located on the bottom of the LCD monitor, similar to the Merlin and the Topaz. It also comes with a separate control panel, which is approximately the size of a ruler. This can be positioned on the desk, the X-Y platform, or on your lap. This feature can be helpful for those who have arthritis and motor difficulties.

The Xtend has many optional features that can be very helpful. Optional features of the Xtend include a 20-inch television monitor, which allows users to watch television, a 10-key calculator that displays the computations on the video screen, and computer connectivity features. We found the Xtend to be a very good value with an appealing cosmetic appearance. We wish the speed of the magnification controls were faster and that the field of view was wider. The Xtend can be an ideal solution for accountants, bookkeepers, and those who wish to look at photographs and text simultaneously. MSRP: $2595 for 17-inch system; $2695 for 19-inch system; $2795 for 20-inch system. Computer connectivity package, calculator, and calendar package is $400.

Optelec Clear View Plus

The Optelec Clear View Plus is an outstanding video magnification system. The Clear View line of desktop video magnifiers have been a leader in the field for many years. Similar to the Macintosh computers, the Clear View is sleek, pretty, and cool! It has a auto-focus color camera with a wide-angle lens. The Merlin produces excellent images on either a 17-inch or 19-inch LCD monitor. screens monitors

The controls of the Clear View are all located on the X-Y platform. There is a large ring-shape dial that adjust the magnification while in the center of the ring is a button that changes the image from color, to black and white, and to a custom selected color. On the left side of the X-Y platform are two knobs. One knob controls the line markers while the other changes the display on your screen from the reading text to your computer screen.

We found the Clear View to produce a very bright and clear image. The controls were easy to access, with the exception of the brightness controls. The auto-focus camera responded very quickly and the line guide markers were extremely helpful when we inspected bills and invoices. We hope that future models of the Clear View will have a brightness control knob or lever similar to the Merlin and Topaz. We also hope that the next generation will have a X-Y table with friction controls to provide greater control when scrolling along a page of text as well as when writing. The Clear View Plus is an excellent choice for users who prefer to have the controls on the X-Y platform and a video magnifier that looks as cools as the Macintosh computers! MSRP:$2695 for 17-inch system; $2895 for 19-inch system. Computer connectivity is optional.