What is a Videoscope?

Videoscopes are typically flexible instruments that have a tiny CCD (Charge-coupled device) solid-state camera built into the remote tip of the instrument to acquire images. Videoscopes are considered to be the most advanced and high tech of Remote Visual Inspection instruments

What is a Fiberscope?

As the name implies, Fiberscopes rely on fiber optics (a coherent assembly of fibers in which the coordinates of each fiber are the same at the two ends of the bundle) to transmit remote images. Fiberscopes are the best known Remote Visual Inspection instruments and have been the workhorse of industrial RVI for decades. Fiberscopes are less expensive than Videoscopes and are available in smaller diameters than Videoscopes.

What is a Rigid Borescope?

Rigid Borescopes are optical instruments like telescopes that use lenses to transmit an optical image. Rigid Borescopes have been around for much longer than Videoscopes or Flexible Fiberscopes. Applications for Rigid Borescopes are limited because the rigid nature of these instruments makes it difficult for them to reach the desired remote inspection area. When applications permit the use of Rigid Borescopes, very clear, high resolution images can be obtained. Rigid Borescopes are typically the least expensive of Remote Visual Inspection instruments.

What advantages are adapting a Rigid Borescope or Fiberscope to Video?

Where a borescope or fiberscope is adaptable to video the image produced has greater resolution and higher magnifications. It is also ideal for multiple person viewing as the image is displayed on a monitor, and allows for less eye fatigue than using them in the visual mode. It is also cost effective to attaché a borescope or fiberscope to video as long as sufficient illumination is available.

What determining factors are there in purchasing a Borescope, Fiberscope or Videoscope?

To determine the correct instrument for your application, please take into consideration 1. Size (diameter) of entry point. 2. The necessary length needed to reach the area of inspection. 3. Does the area to be inspected have a clear straight path or is there obstructions or curved or radius areas where the instrument would have to negotiate. 4. Does your application require image documentation?