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Comparing Teleprompter Features
("How can I get smart about Teleprompters in 10 minutes")
1) Teleprompter Monitor
- Size sometimes matters
12" - CRT
15" - LCD
17" - LCD
- CRT
Heavier - May need heavier tripod
Cheaper
One size (12") only
Reversing (in hardware) included
Brighter in daylight
More rugged for kid use
Composite Video input requires Scan Converter for VGA computer
- LCD
Lighter - Use existing tripod
More expensive
Larger screen sizes available (15"-17")
Reversing (in hardware) at extra cost
VGA desktop computer application requires VGA Splitter
- Hardware-Reversed
Image on Teleprompter is reversed from image on computer monitor
Text appears right-reading on the computer monitor and to the talent
- Non-Reversing
Image on teleprompter monitor is same as on the computer monitor
Requires software to reverse text in a single reflector system
When the text is right-reading to the talent, it will appear reversed on the computer monitor
2) Teleprompter Monitor Accessories
- Single teleprompter system
VGA Monitor
Requires inexpensive VGA splitter when using desktop computer/monitor
Uses more expensive VGA 15pin cables
Composite Video Monitor
Requires VGA scan converter with either desktop or laptop computer
Uses inexpensive RCA/RCA video cable
- Multiple camera teleprompter setup
VGA Monitors
Requires VGA Splitter
One output for each teleprompter monitor
One output for computer monitor (if desktop)
15-pin VGA cable
One for each teleprompter and computer monitor
Very expensive for long lengths
Composite Monitors
Requires one Scan converter
One Composite Video output for all the teleprompter monitors in parallel
One VGA output for the (desktop) computer monitor
RCA/RCA Video cable
One for each teleprompter monitor
Inexpensive in long lengths
3) Teleprompting Software
- PC Operating System
DOS
PROmpter Teleprompter Software
Windows 95/98/SE/ME
WIN9X Teleprompter Software
Windows NT/2000/2003/XP
WinPrompter Teleprompter Software
- Mac Operating System
OS9 or Older
MacPrompter-9
OSX or Newer
MacPrompter-X
-Scroll Control
Mouse
MouseWheel
Keyboard
Remote Foot Control
Remote Hand Control
- Dual Monitor capability
Display the scrolling text (reverse reading) on the teleprompter monitor
Display right-reading text on the computer monitor
4) Laptop or Desktop computer
- Laptop Computer
Connects directly to the teleprompter monitor
Some (not all) laptops allow simultaneous display on local and remote monitor
- Desktop Computer
Requires simple splitter to send VGA signal to both computer and Teleprompter monitors
5) Computer Speed
- Smooth Scroll vs Fast Scroll
Faster computers
provide both fast and smooth scroll at the same time
Slower computers
scroll fast (and somewhat jumpy) or
scroll smooth (but slowly)
Test by downloading a demo of teleprompter software
6) Hood
- Solid
Rigid
Adjustable
Rugged
Usually aluminum
Robust
Lasts lifetime
- Cloth
Flexible
One size fits all
Flimsy
Deteriorates with time, tempurature and lights
Leaks light
Sheds as it deteriorates
7) Reflector
- Shape
Rectangular
For medium and long focal length lenses
Some vignette artifact at extreme wide angle shots
Trapazoid
For short focal length lenses
Eliminates vignetting at wide angle settings
- Beam Splitter
Required for film work
Extremely fragile
Shatters into dangerous shards when broken
Expensive
Single-sourced from teleprompter manufacturer
70% transmissive/30% reflective with light loss of less than 1 f-stop
- Acrylic (Plexiglas, etc)
Not acceptable for film work
Acceptable in low light conditions
Very inexpensive
Easy to cut
Widely Available
Easily scratched - not repairable
Easily distorted
Durable
Requires higher level of text source light
90% transmissive/10% reflective with less than one f-stop light loss
- Glass
Not acceptable for film work
Excellent for low light conditions
More durable than beam-splitter
Easily replaced
Widelyavailable
Inexpensive
Scratch resistant
Somewhat easy to cut to size
Shatters into dangerous shards when broken
Requires somewhat higher level of text source light
90% transmissive/10% reflective with less than one f-stop light loss
- Coated Glass
Not acceptable for film work
Requires medium studio light or equivalent
Coating keeps glass shards contained if broken
Coating improves reflective properties
Single-sourced from teleprompter manufacturer
Cost effective
Resists scratching
Coating not repairable
70% transmissive/30% reflective with light loss of less than 1 f-stop
8) Counterbalance
- Hand Dumbell weights
Cheaper
Color Coded to match studio
Rubber Covered for safety
Temporay or permanent attachment to teleprompter bed
Selectable sizes for different camera/teleprompter accessories.
Available almost everywhere
- Custom steel 'brick'
Size based on weight required to counterbalance teleprompter head and camera
Machine shop task
cut to fit end of track (or bed)
drill and tap both bed and brick to match
Somewhat more expensive
Any change in accessories may require a different steel 'brick'
9) On-Tripod or Pedestal Mount
- On-Tripod
Traditional
Requires tripod head and sticks to handle weight of both camera and teleprompter
Provides pan and tilt with camera
- Pedestal Mount
Teleprompter mounts to its own pedestal single post tripod
Camera mounts to its existing tripod
Not necessary to purchase bigger camera tripod head or sticks
Pedestal takes weight of prompter head off of tripod
Camera & tripod snuggle up behind prompter head
Lock Down operation - no pan and tilt capability
Telerompter doesn't have to be broken down to use camera/tripod alone
(C) 2009, Stewart Instruments, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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