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SmartView Questions and Answers

Obviously we think that the SmartView family of products are the best on the market, no question!  However you may have questions, and here are some of the ones we hear most often.  Click on the question to read the answer.

1 What is a SmartView Video Magnifier?
2 How can a SmartView help me?
3 What eye conditions can the SmartView help?
4 How much do SmartView video magnifiers cost?
5 How easy is it to use a SmartView?
6 How long can I use the SmartView at a time?
7 How can a SmartView assist me in the work place?
8 Why didn't my eye doctor tell me about a SmartView?
9 Can I do needle craft/stamps/painting?
10 Where can I go to try a SmartView?
11 What happens if my SmartView breaks?
12 Why do you have the false colors - and who reads in pink anyway?
13 My father has difficulty with hand control; does he have to move the X/Y table to read?
14 What happens if my SmartView does not help me?
15 Can the SmartView work with my television and what are the advantages or disadvantages?
16 Is it OK for my eyes to be so close to the screen?
17 What do you mean by auto focus?
18 What are shutters/windows/lines etc?
19 What is split screen?
20 What are the magnification ranges of the SmartView?

What is a SmartView Video Magnifier?

The SmartView video magnifier is a product designed to allow you to view text, images and objects on an enlarged scale. By placing it within the viewing area, an object is then magnified onto a standard VGA (computer) or TV monitor. You can adjust the way in which the image appears to suit your particular eye condition.

^SmartView Questions

How can a SmartView help me?

Because the SmartView is a video magnifier, it magnifies both static and moving objects. And it leaves your hands free. This means that you can use it for:

  • Reading or viewing flat objects such as letters, postcards, bills, newspapers, plans, photos, children's drawings,
  • Reading 3D objects such as pill containers, bottles, cans, clothing labels, recipe books, and novels
  • Writing checks, letters, the shopping list, notes,
  • Doing craft activities, mending and repair jobs, changing batteries, jigsaw puzzles and much more!

^SmartView Questions

What eye conditions can the SmartView help?

The SmartView is designed for people with severe low vision including people who have: Macular degeneration, Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Retinitis pigmentosa, Corneal pathology, Hemianopia, and Albanism.

^SmartView Questions

How much do SmartView video magnifiers cost?

Can range from USD $1995.00 – $3395.00 depending on personal preference such as color/black & white, manual/auto focus, pc compatibility etc

^SmartView Questions

How easy is it to use a SmartView?

It is best to receive training on use of a video magnifier at the time of purchase. However, mastering the skills is relatively easy and once you become comfortable with the features that a video magnifier offers - it is simple! And every SmartView comes with an easy to follow, large print user guide.

^SmartView Questions

How long can I use the SmartView at a time?

This really depends on the individual user. However, by using the selectable foreground/background colors, reading periods can often be increased.

^SmartView Questions

How can a SmartView assist me in the work place?

A SmartView can certainly assist someone with low vision to maintain his or her independence in the work place. Many of the SmartView models are compatible with an office or light industrial environment, offering PC connectivity, ergonomic design and a fashionable finish. While a PC can allow you to enlarge documents, spreadsheets, emails etc still in electronic format, the SmartView extends this ability to physical items such as correspondence, legal papers, instructions, user manuals, text books – all of the paperwork that flows around a typical workplace. With this added dimension, having low vision is no longer a disadvantage to your career.

^SmartView Questions

Why didn't my eye doctor tell me about a SmartView?

Many eye doctors are not actually aware that products such as the SmartView are available to assist their patients. When all other options have been considered it is often assumed that nothing more can be done – this is not the case! A video magnifier can once again assist in the joys of reading text and viewing images.

^SmartView Questions

Can I do needle craft/stamps/painting?

Yes, A SmartView video magnifier is ideal for carrying out these hobbies and craft activities, and many more. Basically, if you can fit it into the generous viewing space, you can work on it.

^SmartView Questions

Where can I go to try a SmartView?

By simply phoning our toll free number, a representative of our company can arrange for a no-obligation free home trial or alternatively, we can advise of the nearest location where a video magnifier can be viewed.

^SmartView Questions

What happens if my SmartView breaks?

A full warranty on all materials and workmanship is offered from the date of purchase – An option to purchase an extended warranty is also available on request.

^SmartView Questions

Why do you have the false colors - and who reads in pink anyway?

For many users, the false colors settings enable people the comfort of reading for a prolonged period of time without their eyes becoming sore. For some particular eye conditions, the contrast of a foreground color against a background color enables a superior contrast and ease of use – it really depends on the individual user.

^SmartView Questions

My father has difficulty with hand control; does he have to move the X/Y table to read?

The XY table can be either locked into a permanent position – so it doesn’t move, or alternatively left un-locked so the table can move freely.

^SmartView Questions

What happens if my SmartView does not help me?

A thirty (30) day right of return is offered on our range of products. If you are not entirely happy with the performance of our product then you can return the product for a full refund.

^SmartView Questions

Can the SmartView work with my television and what are the advantages or disadvantages?

Yes. Certain SmartView models (SV1000/SV5000/SV7000) can be used with a television. This way you can use your existing TV monitor without having to go out and purchase a new one. Disadvantages are that some users like to use selectable foreground/background color combinations, which can only be offered on a VGA (computer) monitor

^SmartView Questions

Is it OK for my eyes to be so close to the screen?

Yes, most monitor manufacturers meet EMC certification. This is the standard that determines the safe level of electro magnetic radiation emitted from the monitor. We can advise whether the monitor you intend to use meets these standards, as do all the monitors we provide as an option.

^SmartView Questions

What do you mean by auto focus?

There are two types of focus adjustment for the SmartView range – Manual focus, where you focus the Video magnifier yourself using the dial, And – Auto Focus, where the Video Magnifier focuses the text/image automatically for you. 

^SmartView Questions

What are shutters/windows/lines etc?

These are added features that enable some users to better-read text etc. Simply they are either black lines or shaded out areas that the SmartView reproduces electronically on the monitor.

^SmartView Questions

What is split screen?

This is where the Video magnifier splits the view of the monitor between the computer and video magnifier. The screen can be split either vertically or horizontally.

^SmartView Questions

What are the magnification ranges of the SmartView?

The Magnification range (the range at which text/images are represented on a monitor once the size is increased from the actual size) is from 2.3x to 60x depending on the monitor used. A HumanWare representative will be more than happy to discuss with you the magnification range to best suit your needs.

^SmartView Questions

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