Using the Video Visualizer

by Robbi Duda MS RN C

Visualizer The video visualizer is like the overhead projector, but it does a better job of enlarging and showing items in great detail on a TV monitor. The images can then be shown in a local or distant class, meeting, or courtroom situation this allows all everyone to see items clearly as the presenter discusses them.

The visualizer, or Viz, is different from the overhead in that it has a built-in camera. Intricate models, sketches, pictures in books or from slides, skin conditions or wounds, circuit boards or remote controllers or any other object can enlarged and shown on a TV monitor.

In addition to showing objects via the built-in camera, the Viz can be used to connect another camera, a videotape (VCR) player, or other device such as a microphone. The Viz can even hook-up from two of these other inputs at a time and act as a switcher between them and the objects under the Viz camera.

The Viz's Main Components

The main components of the Viz are a built-in camera with a zoom lens, lights, and a white document table.
Viz Components

Setting up the Viz
The viz is easily portable and very simple to set-up.

The assembly procedure is as follows:

Setup of Viz

Basic Operation of the Viz

The viz takes less than 2 minutes to set-up and use. To see how quickly this can be done use your QuickTime player or plug-in software to view the following short video clip. If you need the software to play the movie, visit The QuickTime Software Page.

The QT movie is about 6MB. Down load time will be long and vary depending on your connection.

Click here to view the Viz Setup Movie

The simple basic operational steps of the Viz after setup includes:
  1. Turn the power on.
  2. Turn the lights on.
  3. Connect the viz to some monitor
  4. Turn the monitor on.
  5. Center item to be visualized under the camera. Look at it on Monitor.
  6. Zoom to the best view to show the details.
  7. Press auto-focus.*

*You also may manually focus or adjust the white balance and exposure levels.

Other Uses of the Viz

The Viz has many applications business and as a classroom tool. It also is useful for computer imaging, presentations, and for video teleconferencing.

When you are giving your demonstration using the Viz, you can easily switch from the Viz to different video sources such as the computer, a VCR, and/or a videocamera to display on your TV monitor. The Viz can also transmit sound from one source to another.

The University of Michigan has visualizers in many of their classrooms. Nursing students and faculty may check out the viz through the School of Nursing Clinical/AudioVisual Skills Lab.

The Visualizer is a Versatile Tool
More product information on video visualizers can be obtained from Canon, Inc., Still Video Division, One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, New York, 11042, U.S.A. or by viewing the information under the video visualizer list.

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