Desktop Visualizers
The Desktop Visualizer is characterized by a large working surface or "footprint", hence its name "desktop visualizer". The core design remains the same, with a CCD camera fixed to a column, usually looking down onto the base. Compared to Portable Visualizers, the larger bases enable manufacturers to add more features and functions.
The image quality on desktop visualizers is superior to those of portable visualizers. Typically the image quality varies from SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) right up to WSXGA (1680 x 1050) and anything in between. Top-end visualizers like Wolfvision offer an HDTV 720p (1280 x 720) and a HDTV 1080p (1920 x 1080) desktop visualizer.
Desktop Visualizers are typically heavier than portable visualizers. They do however have carrying handles and a foldable arm which makes transportation and storage a little easier.
Overhead lighting is a very common feature for desktop visualizers. The lighting usually comes in three options; adjustable lights left and right of the base stage, a single adjustable light fitted close to the camera head, or a fixed light over the rear of the base stage. In a number of models a backlight is built into the stage to allow for viewing of transparencies, the size of which varies from letter size down to 35mm slide frame size.
The controls addressing the majority of the visualizer functions are usually located on the front, back or side panel of the base stage to facilitate ease of use. Some models however place their controls on the camera head. Wireless remote controls are provided on a number of models and many offer housing space for the remote to be stored when not in use.
LCD confidence monitors are another feature that is making its way into Desktop Visualizers. There are currently two models that offer this, the Wolfvision VZ-9 and Elmo P-100. Many models however have monitor mount points to allow accessory monitors to be used for confidence viewing.
Desktop visualizers might be fitted with a "close up" lens depending on the depth of field of the camera lens. The "close up" lens enables the camera to focus and magnify over short distances (i.e. down towards the stage). There are two common types of fixings for these lenses. The first types are "flip-up" fixings where the lens is enclosed in a narrow frame and fixed to the camera head by a hinge arrangement. When close-up viewing is required the hinge closes up over the main camera lens and when distance viewing is required the lens opens or "flips up". Visualizers that do not have a "close-up" lens do not need one due to the lens construction or the design purpose.
Due to the size of desktop visualizers the choice of connectivity is not so much of an issue compared to portable visualizers. The sheer size of the base allows for more inputs and outputs for the user to connect to. This is one of the underlining factors that determine the price of the unit, along with the function and design, as well as the image resolution.
Connectivity on Desktop Visualizers
- D-sub 15 pin VGA
- S-Video(4 pin Mini DIN)
- Composite Video (RCA/Phono) and BNC.
- DVI is beginning to appear in some models.
- High-Definition multimedia Interface (HDMI) in the case of WolfVision.
Audio connectivity
- Mini Jack or RCA/Phono.
PC connectivity
- USB 1.0/1.1 (12 Mbits/second)
- USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbits/second).
- Network Connection 8P8C, commonly referred to as RJ-45, ports are also available for PC networking connectivity in models from Ken-a-Vision, Lumens™ and WolfVision.
Remote control signals are provided by RS-232, infrared wireless, RF wireless or USB.