Teleprompter for Xl1s at DVinfo.net

Peter Sheppard · January 13th, 2004, 11:08 AM

I have had a few assignments lately that really called for a teleprompter...tried positioning the camera just over a monitor connected to a laptop but the eye direction still gives it away...can anyone suggest a reasonably priced unit that really works?

Charles Papert · January 13th, 2004, 12:46 PM

I saw a unit I really liked at the DVExpo from a company called Prompter/People. The MiniPrompter at $799 is a clever solution to the compromise of monitor weight/bulk in that it uses a 7.2" LCD (with a magnifying fresnel), which you can then use as a great onboard camera monitor for other applications, so it's sort of like getting two products for the price of one. If you already such an LCD monitor like the Panasonic, you can get the rest of the setup without monitor. The owner of the company, Mark, is a really nice guy and ready to work with individuals.

Otherwise (and a bit cheaper), there's the EZ Prompter which simply uses a typed or handwritten page. Lowtech and lightweight, it would be good for low profile jobs, but my feeling is that the copy always changes during the shoot and not having the ability to cleanly make instant changes to the text is a dealbreaker. They have other products, but they are more bulky/expensive/less flexible than the PrompterPeople, in my opinion.

Christopher Hughes · January 13th, 2004, 04:18 PM

Theres also another choice which is to use a PDA such as a Palm pilot or ipac or other portable device.

http://www.proprompter.com/pocket_pc_version.html

I know its a little pricey, but this is just an example of what I have seen in way of homemade kits. I have seen a website with instructions how to make one. And so if you already own a PDA then its a possible solution. And would allow onspot changes very quickly and easily.

Christopher Hughes · January 13th, 2004, 04:19 PM

I cannot seem to find the website, but im sure if you do a search you may find examples of homemade kits.

Peter Sheppard · January 15th, 2004, 06:16 AM

Thanks for your input, I agree that it is better to have a unit that is PC connected, as last minute changes to speaches etc are always made just before or during a shoot.Also, I was going to purchase a new external monitor anyway as my last lcd one was shattered during a plane ride(never send one through as checked luggage)Has anyone out there actually used one of these units on the XL1?,and if so , are you happy with it?

January 13th, 2004, 11:08 AM	#1
Peter Sheppard Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Barbados, West Indies. Posts: 30	Teleprompter for Xl1s I have had a few assignments lately that really called for a teleprompter...tried positioning the camera just over a monitor connected to a laptop but the eye direction still gives it away...can anyone suggest a reasonably priced unit that really works?

January 13th, 2004, 12:46 PM	#2
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I saw a unit I really liked at the DVExpo from a company called Prompter/People. The MiniPrompter at $799 is a clever solution to the compromise of monitor weight/bulk in that it uses a 7.2" LCD (with a magnifying fresnel), which you can then use as a great onboard camera monitor for other applications, so it's sort of like getting two products for the price of one. If you already such an LCD monitor like the Panasonic, you can get the rest of the setup without monitor. The owner of the company, Mark, is a really nice guy and ready to work with individuals. Otherwise (and a bit cheaper), there's the EZ Prompter which simply uses a typed or handwritten page. Lowtech and lightweight, it would be good for low profile jobs, but my feeling is that the copy always changes during the shoot and not having the ability to cleanly make instant changes to the text is a dealbreaker. They have other products, but they are more bulky/expensive/less flexible than the PrompterPeople, in my opinion. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

January 15th, 2004, 06:16 AM	#5
Peter Sheppard Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Barbados, West Indies. Posts: 30	Teleprompter for XL1 Thanks for your input, I agree that it is better to have a unit that is PC connected, as last minute changes to speaches etc are always made just before or during a shoot.Also, I was going to purchase a new external monitor anyway as my last lcd one was shattered during a plane ride(never send one through as checked luggage)Has anyone out there actually used one of these units on the XL1?,and if so , are you happy with it?

January 13th, 2004, 04:18 PM	#3
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	Theres also another choice which is to use a PDA such as a Palm pilot or ipac or other portable device. http://www.proprompter.com/pocket_pc_version.html I know its a little pricey, but this is just an example of what I have seen in way of homemade kits. I have seen a website with instructions how to make one. And so if you already own a PDA then its a possible solution. And would allow onspot changes very quickly and easily.

January 13th, 2004, 04:19 PM	#4
Christopher Hughes Major Player Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunderland, England (y Merida, Mexico) Posts: 269	I cannot seem to find the website, but im sure if you do a search you may find examples of homemade kits.