IDRC - Celebrating 25 Years

1993 - 2018

Continuing Our Work During COVID-19

Read the letter regarding COVID-19 by IDRC Director, Jutta Treviranus.

Supports for complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

How do I make my web site accessible? How do I make my office documents accessible? How do I make information available in alternative formats? Businesses and organizations read our AODA Help.

RT @CoLabCoOp: What better way to spend your Thursday than with @Benetech @idrc_ocadu and us? Exploring how to shift power in tech through…
reply • retweet • favorite
FluidProject RT @colinbdclark: Join us at the PPIG 2020 workshop hosted by @idrc_ocadu in Toronto to explore the margins of programming. Who has agency…
reply • retweet • favorite

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

an image of a CCTV setup

Index

This list of products is for reference purposes only and does not reflect endorsement by the IDRC.

Description

A Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a video magnification system consisting of a video screen interfaced with a video camera. Video magnification is achieved in two ways: 1) the electronic conversion from the small camera image to the larger display screen and 2) the optical effect of the cameras zoom lens. The stand mounted CCTVs can be configured with either television receivers, video monitors, or computer monitors. The image magnified on the CCTV's display may provide enhanced contrast and brightness, inverse video display, gray scale, false colours, and natural colours.

Points to ponder - Questions to consider when shopping for a Closed Circuit Television

  • Do you need a portable, or stationary unit? Portable units generally have much smaller displays making lengthy reading tasks more difficult.
  • What display features are needed? Is it easier to read standard or reversed polarity text? Are certain colour contrasts easier to read, or is there the need for seeing true colours (such as when reading maps and pie charts)
  • Is it an "in-line" or "out-of-line" model? Does it connect to your computer?
  • What size and resolution is the screen?
  • If it connects to your computer, does it have split screen capabilities?
  • Is it portable?
  • If portable, does it have its own power supply and built in display?

In-Line CCTV's

These are the "traditional" models of CCTVs. The monitor or video display is mounted over the camera.  Some people consider these kinds of CCTVs if space is an issue, or if they do not need a 21" video display/television. If you are shopping for a CCTV, take a look at your needs and the configuration of the CCTV. Also take into consideration whether you will be able to write comfortably using a particular type of CCTV.

  • Optelec offers a number of "in-line" models with colour displays, LCD and standard CRT monitors and other display options. 
  • Clarity Solutions offers the Clarity Tablemate in-line CCTV. This CCTV accommodates a variety of monitor sizes. Also available in optional 15" or 20" flat LCD screen.
  • HumanWare - offers a broad range of in-line CCTV models with LCD and CRT monitors and other display options.
    • SmartView Xtend [colour] - offers 19" adjustable flat screen monitor;  brightness control; basic black and white to full colour option; and upgradeable to suite your needs
      • Module 1 - enhances the usability of the SmartView Xtend giving you more viewing options through a remote control; includes line markers and masking and magnification preset.
      • Module 2 - allows users to perform simple equations and keep track of the day, date and time. Plus all the features of module 1.
      • Module 3 - All the features of module 1 and module 2 plus all the power of being connected to a PC. Includes SmartView/PC toggle, SmartView/PC split screen and multiple video modes.
    • SmartView 5000 [colour] - accommodates a variety of monitor sizes (15"-21"); pre-set magnification control; and sixteen coloured background/foreground combinations.
    • Smartview 5000KP -  same features of SmartView 5000 plus the Smart KeyPad, which allows you to display windowing and linemarkers, the time, day, date and a four function calculator in large print on your screen at the touch of a button. Optional Smart PC access kit allows you to share functions with your existing computer monitor – alternate between objects you are viewing on your SmartView and computer.
  • TeleSensory International offers the Aladdin series of in-line CCTV's with various display configurations.
    • Aladdin Classic [black and white] - white text on black and black text on white; 14" CRT display
    • Sunshine Pro [colour] - white text on black and black text on white; 3 colour select mode; 14" CRT display
    • Rainbow Pro [colour] - white text on black and black text on white; 3 colour select mode; line markers and shadow masking; 14" CRT display;
    • Apex Basic [colour] - adjustable 17" or 20" flat panel monitor, 24 colour select options, line markers and shadow masking

Out-of-line CCTV's

These models have a camera unit and generally use a television as their display. They are not "portable" in the sense that the camera unit is a full size camera and the devices are meant to be used on a desk. The camera unit would sit beside the monitor, or "out of line." You can have a wooden bridge made for the video display/monitor to make it "in-line" as generally the camera unit will not support the weight of a 21" television monitor.

  • Ash Technologies
    • Prisma [colour] - offers white text on black and black text on white; focus and brightness control; and folds into a compact, transportable configuration.
  • HumanWare offers the SmartView 7000 colour CCTV. This CCTV features black text on white and white text on black; automatic focus; pre-set magnification control; hand-held zoom control; and sixteen colored background/foreground combinations.
  • TeleSensory International makes the following out-of-line models - all have reverse polarity [colour and black text on white or white text on black]:
    • Genie Pro - offers twenty-four background/foreground colour combinations; vertical or horizontal line markers and shadow masking; and computer compatible
    • Atlas 610 - simple and easy to use controls; and auto focus
  • OVAC Incorporated makes the following out-of-line models - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]
    • ZACC - [colour] - offers a small keypad with 4 simple push buttons; and automatic focus
    • ZACC B&W - [black and white] - offers a small keypad with 3 simple push buttons; and automatic focus

CCTVs that use Computer Monitors

These CCTVs connect to a computer monitor. They are not interchangeable with a television, they are made for integration with a computer monitor. They offer access to either the print material, the computer application, or both using a split screen function.

  • HumanWare makes the following models to use with your computer - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]: 
  • TeleSensory International makes the following models that use your computer monitor - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]:
    • Aladdin Genie Pro [colour] - see above for product description
    • Atlas 710 [colour] - offers black text on white and white text on black; 3 colour select modes;
  • Optelec offers the Clearview+ Computer Compatible colour CCTV. It features a one button control system; an easy glide platform with electronic brake; and an optional Advanced Feature Pack.

Hand Held CCTV's

A "hand-held" CCTV is not always "portable." The models below depend on the use of a television. While this may appear to be portable, some hotels will not allow you to disconnect their cable systems to use the device or you may not always have access to a television when you need to read print material. You also need to check and make sure you can write under a handheld CCTV if this is one of your needs. Generally, the ability to write using a hand held or portable CCTV is not as functional as with in-line or out-of-line models - make sure you do your research before you buy!

  • Ash Technologies
    • TVi Color - features a hand-held electronic magnifier with black text on white and white text and black modes.
  • Clarity Solutions offers various products that all offer colour, black and white and inverse modes, auto focusing, a flexible arm as well as distance viewing. These include:
  • Enhanced Vision Services makes the following colour models - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]
    • MAX - uses a hand-held portable device to magnify images on any straight or curved surface; 4 viewing modes with a push of a button; and computer compatible as well.
    • Flipper - distance, intermediate and near viewing capabilities; features 4 viewing modes; 225 degree camera rotation; computer compatible as well
  • Magni-Cam products from Magni-Cam - black and white and colour
    • can be used with either a Head Mounted Display system or a Flat Screen Display system
    • [from their web site: Each Portable system requires the basic Magni-Cam electronic magnifier. Either a 25 ounce portable monitor, or a 7 ounce head mounted display can be plugged directly into the Magni-Cam's video processor, eliminating the need for a television set. A specially designed battery power supply makes either system independent of external power.]black and white or colour models
    • for use with a television
  • OVAC Incorporated makes the following models that use your computer monitor - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]
    • Color-Eye - [colour] for use with the Flex Arm Mount or without, connects to television, weighs 8 ounces on its own, 2 pounds with Flex Arm and carrying case
    • Golden-Eye - [black and white] for use with the Flex Arm Mount or without, connects to television, weighs 8 ounces on its own, 2 pounds with Flex Arm and carrying case

Portable CCTVs

These CCTVs can be considered "portable" in that you do not have to use a television with them. You can purchase a display that will allow you more independence of use. For example, you may be able to take them to a library, conference, or to a classroom environment and use them when you need to access print information.

  • Ash Technologies
    • Liberty Solo - [full colour and black & white modes] with a 12" display; various display modes; various magnification modes, up to 30x the original size; monitor leans and slides for viewing at different angles; handwriting stand included; weighs over 2 kg.
    • Eclipse - [full colour and black & white modes] with a 17" monitor that collapses on to a reading table for portability; 3X to 30X continuous zoom.
    • Quicklook Zoom [full colour] - includes a 4.3" LCD screen; 3x-18x magnification range; high contrast with 56 colour options; 4 - 7 hours batter life; and free frame capabilities.
  • Clarity Solutions makes the following models
    • Clarity Junior - includes a 4" LCD screen; 3 hour battery life; 3x - 9x magnification; and offers colour, black and white, inverse and colour select mode.
    • Clarity Carrymate - 9 hours of battery life with a 11" viewable display. Offers same features of Flex Mate series (see above).
  • Enhanced Vision Services makes the following in-line models - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]
    • MaxPort - glasses interface for displaying magnified information, no need for a television or other display, completely portable, three viewing options
    • FlipperPort - [colour] glasses interface for displaying magnified information, 4 ounce glasses, 225 degree camera rotation, multiple contrast options, 3 hours of use with battery
    • Flipper Panel - integrates Flipper's rotating camera with a 12" LCD screen and a 5 hour battery life.
    • Jordy - [colour] can be worn "like a pair of glasses" [from their website], weighs under 10 ounces, CCTV capabilities with docking stand
    • Nemo - 4" anti-glare LCD screen, 3 hour batter life, 6 viewing modes and freeze frame capabilities
    • Amigo - 6.5" viewable display, 1 lb, 6 viewing modes and freeze frame capabilities
  • Optelec offers the following "hand held" or "semi-portable" models:
    • Optelec Traveller - [colour and black & white modes] 4-16X magnification on a 6.4" colour screen, weighs 2 lbs, connects to a television
    • Optelec Compact - Portable Electronic Magnifier [full colour and black & white modes] 4X and 8X magnification modes on a 4" LCD screen, weighs 10 ounces.
  • HumanWare makes the following models to use with your computer - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]:
    • PocketViewer - [colour] - has reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black];portable and hand-held; battery operated.
    • Mono PocketViewer - has reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]; weighs 10 oz.; 1.5 hr batter life
  • TeleSensory International makes the following portable models - all have reverse polarity [black text on white or white text on black]:
    • Pico - [colour] weighs 10 ounces (0.28 kg), with different viewer modes (positive & negative black and white or yellow on blue).
    • Olympia - [colour] weighs 12.5 lbs. (1.14 kg) (you achieve greater magnification levels by connecting the portable unit to any compatible T.V. monitor.
    • MiniViewer (no longer available from the Telesensory site but is still on the market)  - [black and white] weighs 1.76 lbs. (0.8 kg), can get a battery pack, carrying case
  • Wat-Cam by Sight Enhancement Systems is a versatile, high performance camera for class, work & home.
    • A very rugged, self contained camera unit with up to 40x magnification and freeze frame capabilities. The Wat-Cam will hook up to your pc, monitor or television.
    • Weighs only 650g