Portable Visualizers
For the more cost conscious consumer, portable visualizers are an ideal fit as they can be easily moved from one location to the next. They consist of a lightweight construction with a sturdy base. The column is usually a gooseneck type with a CCD camera fixed to the top of the column. Some portable visualizers are connected via a USB connection to a personal computer; these types of visualizers get their power from the USB connection. This ultimately means less set-up time, fewer cables to connect and they are lighter and easier to carry. Most portable Visualizers are however powered by main adaptors.
Image quality varies in portable visualizers from composite video (720 x 576 pixels) up to SXGA (1024 x 960). It is imperative that the resolution of the display that is connected to the Visualizer is at least as high as or higher than the maximum output resolution of the Visualizer. What is important to understand is that the quality of the image will only be as good as the lowest resolution component.
There are limited connections offered by portable Visualizers. They are generally categorized into 3 groups: Visual Signals; Audio Signals and Control/Remote signals.
Visual signals
- RGB/D-sub 15pin connector (VGA)
- Digital Visual Interface connector (DVI)
- S-Video or Y/C connector (normally on 4-pin mini DIN) and Composite Video connector (normally on RCA)
Audio signals
- RCA/Phono connectors or in rare occasions, a mini Jack plug.
- Audio capability is usually associated with in-built microphones or Audio pass-through.
Remote control signals
- RS-232
- Infrared wireless
- RF wireless or USB
Portable Visualizers are usually characterized by their gooseneck column. This technology works extremely well with microscopes as the column can be positioned close to the eye piece. A detailed image of the subject under the microscope can then be viewed to a large audience, directly to a personal computer or through a display device.
Lighting and illumination of the subject material is a huge factor throughout the full range of visualizers. In order to compensate for this in the portable Visualizer range, manufacturers either provide illumination without hindering the unit's portability or by increase the cameras sensitivity to light. Portable Visualizers also feature an image capture application. The internal storage capability ranges from 30 frames up to 80 frames. Storage can be unlimited if the image is saved directly to a PC through a USB cable.