Photo of SmartLux portable CCTV magnifying four lines of print in a book.
Guide

All about the Eschenbach SmartLux Digital Magnifier

A comprehensive guide to using the Eschenbach SmartLux video magnifier with low vision. Everything you need to know about using the device at home, school and work.

Several years ago, I told my low vision ophthalmologist that I was having trouble with reading paper materials and that traditional magnifiers frequently hurt my eyes due to the glare and reflection from classroom lights on the ceiling. They asked me if I had ever tried using a video or electronic magnifier for reading printed materials, and then told me all about the Eschenbach SmartLux Digital video magnifier, which was their favorite tool to recommend to patients with low vision. After trying out a few other video magnifiers and reading their reviews, I decided that I liked the SmartLux Digital the best and we purchased it later that week. I’ve been using the device since then, and today I will be talking all about the Eschenbach SmartLux video magnifier and how I use it with low vision.

What is the Eschenbach SmartLux Digital?

The SmartLux Digital is a type of portable video magnifier made by Eschenbach that uses a camera and a screen to enlarge text and images so that they are easier to see. The SmartLux Digital is fairly small in size, with a five-inch display and approximately eight-ounce weight, and can easily be stored in a backpack or purse for people who need to read text or enlarge images while on the go or in a variety of different environments.

Options for purchasing the Eschenbach SmartLux Digital

There are several options for purchasing the Eschenbach SmartLux Digital, as well as options for receiving the device at a free or reduced cost:

Related links

SmartLux Digital device overview

Device characteristics

The SmartLux Digital measures 6.5 inches in length, 3.5 inches in width, and 1.25 inches in height, and comes with a protective case for the device to be stored in when not in use. The device has a 5-inch LCD display that is hard-coated to prevent damage and has an additional layer of anti-glare film that makes it easier for users to read information in bright sunlight.

The SmartLux Digital has a battery life of approximately 2 hours and can be recharged with the included power cable. Make sure to charge the device prior to its first use.

Device operation modes

There are a few different ways to hold the SmartLux Digital magnifier for materials:

The device can automatically sense what operation is in use, and the user does not have to select any options on the screen to switch between the various modes.

Device buttons and controls

The SmartLux Digital has four buttons that are marked with tactile symbols so that they are easier to locate. These buttons include:

Display settings for the SmartLux Digital are automatically saved when the device is powered off, so users do not have to adjust settings every time they use the device.

Color contrast options

There are several different contrast settings for the images, which can be activated by pressing the contrast button until the desired color settings are located.  The contrast options include:

Users can also turn the LED lights on the bottom of the device on/off by holding the contrast button for three seconds.

Magnification levels

Users can switch between magnification levels by pressing the magnification button, which displays the various magnification levels. The display brightness can also be adjusted by pressing and holding the magnification button down, and releasing the button when the desired brightness level is displayed

For contact and writing operation, the magnification levels are as follows:

For handheld or lanyard operation, the magnification levels are lower and measure at approximately the following values:

Saving images

For users who want to look at a still image from the display, the photo button allows users to either temporarily freeze the screen to look at an image, or to save up to 20 images to the device gallery.

To temporarily freeze an image:

  1. Press the camera button
  2. Adjust the contrast or magnification level if needed
  3. Press the camera button briefly to return to the live video mode

To save an image:

  1. Press the camera button
  2. Adjust the contrast or magnification level if needed
  3. Hold down the camera button for three seconds

To access the device gallery:

  1. Hold down the camera button for three seconds
  2. Once in the gallery, hold down the camera button until the desired image is displayed
  3. Press the contrast or magnification buttons as needed to edit the appearance of the image
  4. To delete an image, press the contrast button and then press it again to confirm, or press the magnification button to cancel
  5. Press the camera button briefly to return to live video mode

Related links

Ways to use the SmartLux Digital

In the classroom

In the workplace

In the home and other settings

Additional resources for Eschenbach SmartLux Digital

By Veronica Lewis/Veronica With Four Eyes, www.veroniiiica.com

Post updated July 2023; original post December 2016

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