But CCD imaging is not as simple as using a video camera. One must use a computer of some kind at the telescope to control the CCD camera and save the images. This extra bit of equipment requirement and additional power cords, etc. However, with the STV , this is also no longer a problem. No computer is required to use the STV as an autoguider or an imager.
Video astronomy is a popular pursuit because nearly everyone is familiar with video cameras.
The idea of putting a video camera at the eyepiece of a telescope and seeing the results on a TV monitor is very exciting. It is an easy way to share the views of the night sky with friends and family. The viewing is comfortable and the images can be recorded on tape. However, video cameras remain an interesting accessory for amateur astronomers because of their relative ease of use, despite their inability to record dim objects. This limitation of typical video cameras is a result of the common video format.