The electronic magnification unit (EMU) is a system for magnifying anything on a printed page (text or graphics) and may assist students with low vision to visually access regular or large print materials in the classroom, school library or at home. A camera captures an image from the page and this is displayed on a built-in monitor, a TV monitor or a computer screen (laptop or desktop). Magnification can be adjusted to suit individual needs. Features to consider include:
| Model and Supplier |
Price |
Output |
Comments |
| Aladdin Optek Systems |
Classic (B&W) A$1,995 Sunshine (Colour) A$2,650 |
Up to 50x Image - positive/negative |
Portable, stand alone or connect to PC (not OCR) Colour or black and white models available Suitable for hobby work Some models have fixed viewing platform; some XY table |
| ClearNote/ClearNote + Quantum Technology |
A$4,790- A$5,399 | Colour Image - positive/negative |
Captures images (eg whiteboard) to a computer Images can be saved, cut & pasted etc |
| ClearView + Star/Spectrum Quantum Technology |
No monitor A$2,869-$3,759 With flat panel monitor A$4,198-$7,143 |
3-40x B&W or colour models |
Auto focus XY table 27 cm in each direction Horizontal lines available Some models compatible with PC |
| Compact + Quantum Technology |
A$1,339 | Up to 8x |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse Writing feature for signing documents Alternative colours for reduced glare |
| C-Port Australian Independence Products Micro Marvellous |
A$2,400 | Colour | 19" transportable colour electronic magnification unit Tri-mode camera and screen protection |
| Eclipse Print Magnifier Quantum Technology |
A$5,349 | Full colour 1.5-32x 15 inch display Continuous autofocus |
Stand-alone unit - 9.8kg Display can be tilted for comfortable viewing |
| Fusion Quantum Technology |
A$3,179 | Full colour 7-17x 7 inch display |
Portable - 1.2kg Roll over reading material or detach mouse-like camera Writing mode for crosswords, cheques etc |
| iDex Reading and
Distance Camera Quantum Technology |
A$3,3619 | Distance and near Full colour |
Magnifier |
| Liberty Quantum Technology |
Solo A$5,900 Scholar A4,790 |
Distance and near Full colour |
Portable magnifier |
| myReader HumanWare |
A$6,950 Bag A$185 |
Up to 45x Full colour or B&W Image - positive/negative Selectable colour with 56 colour combinations |
Stand-alone unit with built-in 15" display Captures a page of text and presents it either word by word, as a column or as a continuous row Automatic scrolling of text Live mode: can also view photographs, diagrams etc Can view PC via the same screen |
| Pico Optek Systems |
A$995 | 3-11x on 4 inch Colour LCD 10.6cm screen Lighting settings: high, medium, off |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.28kg Rechargeble battery or mains power Folding legs for viewing curved surfaces, handwriting etc |
QuickLook Zoom |
A$1,480 | Up to 5.5x Full colour Enhanced contrast modes - positive/negative Records and plays mp4 and video |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.3kg Rechargeable battery - has sleep mode Magnifies text, photos, maps etc 4 gig SD card |
| Ruby Pacific Vision |
A$1,135 | 3-6x 4.3 inch screen |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse Can take a snapshot of image |
| SenseView Pacific Vision |
A$1,390 | 3-6x 4.3 inch screen |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse Can take a snapshot of image |
| SmartView Nano HumanWare |
A$395 |
5x-20x Full colour Auto focus Image - positive/negative |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse 1.8 inch screen 106 gm 3 hr battery life |
| SmartView Pocket HumanWare |
A$995 |
3x-9x Full colour Auto focus Image - positive/negative |
Handheld electronic magnifier - fits in purse 3.6 inch screen 140 gm Has image freeze function Can view on TV or monitor |
| SmartView Graduate HumanWare |
A$3,895 |
Up to 50x Near and distance Full colour Auto focus Image - positive/negative |
Portable fold-up camera and stand compatible with PC (including Vista) View via PC laptop - fits in laptop bag (1.1 kg) Can capture images to PC Can view on TV or monitor |
| SmartView Versa HumanWare |
A$1,280 With graphics & sound $1,480 Mobile (with 7" screen) $3,095 |
7x magnification of text and images in colour Image - positive/negative |
Miniature video camera with inbuilt 4.3" screen Fits in pocket or handbag, 0.3kg Rechargeable battery Magnifies text, photos, maps etc Lift up stand for easy handwriting Graphics/sound model includes mp3, video, images and 4 gig SD card |
| SmartView Xtend HumanWare |
B&W A$3,550 |
4x-60x or larger depending on size of monitor Black & white or full colour Auto/manual focus Split screen Image - positive/negative |
Stand-alone EMU (desktop magnifier) - use with screen (minimum 22"),
TV or monitor XY table - lockable Can use for handwriting Optional calculator, date, time, blinds (+$) Computer compatible or toggle between EMU and computer Keypad, remote control, screen arm, foot switch also available |
| STRIX Optek Systems |
A$2,850 | Near and distance Auto focus Colour |
Portable electronic magnifier 7" built-in display Rechargeable batteries or mains power |
| The VIEW Optek Systems |
A$5,700 | Up to 75x Near and distance Auto focus Colour |
Portable electronic magnifier 15" flat screen Position monitor any height from XY table to 14 1/2" Camera mores 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically Rechargeable batteries or mains power Optional battery and case |
| Vertex Optek Systems |
A$4,150 | 17 inch screen | Stand-alone protable EMU with internal battery |