The use of teleprompters have grown in recent years with the need for audio-visual content rising. Its use in speech and interview videos helps to aid presenters in reading a script while maintaining eye contact with the audience (or camera lens in most scenarios).
This allows the presentations to be more natural and fluid as it removes the need for presenters to consult their written notes or wreck their brain memorising a script.
However, choosing the right teleprompter for your video production may seem nerve wrecking so we have included some of the best teleprompters of 2021 and which one is right for you below.
Table of Contents
What is a teleprompter?
A teleprompter, also commonly known as a prompter or an autocue is a device that prompts the presenter with his or her script.
The most commonly used teleprompter is the glass teleprompter which makes use of any display such as an iPad or tablet and a specialized ‘one-way mirror’. The display is usually placed at the base of this set-up while the glass is placed diagonally in front of the camera lens allowing the presenter to look straight at the audience while reading out the script.
This is an improvement from the usage of cue cards as the presenter will no longer be required to lose eye contact with the audience in order to refer to the script.
Teleprompters allow presenters to look professional as it gives the impression that the presenter has memorized the script or is speaking spontaneously.
When should I use a teleprompter?
Teleprompters are most commonly used when presenting on television such as talk shows and news anchors. However, with the growing need for companies to produce audio-visual content, its usage has gotten more widespread and is now commonly used for video and live stream productions that require its presenter or talent to present a large chunk of text such as corporate interview videos, corporate speech videos and CEO announcement videos.
Here are some videos we have done for our clients in which a teleprompter was used:
Tips when using a teleprompter
Before purchasing a teleprompter, it is important to understand both how it works and how best it can benefit your production.
Below, we have included a list of things to help you best prepare for your next video production or live stream production :
Read and familiarize yourself with the script
- This is important as getting acquainted with your script will prove useful once the camera is rolling. Should ‘999’ be read at “Nine, nine, nine” or “Nine hundred and ninety nine”? This depends on the context of the speech
Rehearse with the teleprompter operator beforehand
- Most teleprompters require a teleprompter operator on set to manually scroll or adjust the speed
- Teleprompter operators will be able to operate more optimally when they are familiar with your reading patterns and pace so set aside some time before rolling the camera to rehearse with your teleprompter operator
Save your presenter’s script in a compatible format
- Most teleprompters require scripts in either Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx), Rich Text (.rtf) or Plain Text (.txt) formats
- Using such formats will ensure that loading the scripts in the various teleprompter softwares are straightforward and time efficient
Format the scripts with segment names/titles
- Titles are added to segment the different blocks of text to aid presenters in their delivery
- Such titles should be capitalized so the presenter does not mix it up with the script
Consider hiring a professional
Teleprompters are only one out of the many equipment needed to film a professional corporate video. If you have decided that it is too complex to handle the multiple moving parts on your own. Consider hiring our professional video production crew to handle your video filming and post-production for you.
Here at Vivid Snaps, our in-house video production crews are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to ensure you get the best results catered to your needs.
We also have our very own in-house green studio which is exclusively reserved for our clients when taking up our video production and live streaming services.
Contact us now to find out more!
Choosing the right teleprompter
Similar to any other equipment, teleprompters come in a wide range of prices from as low as $100 to over $1000. We have compiled the best teleprompters of 2021 and the pros and cons of each model so you can decide which is the ideal teleprompter to best suit your needs.
Most of the entry level teleprompter requires you to have your own display device such as a tablet or smartphone. While the professional models come with a dedicated, and usually bright display. You can also expect some of them to come with bundled software. You will still need your own laptop to output the teleprompter video signal.
Pricing stated are taken from respective online retailers, correct as of Sep 2021, subject to change by the respective companies. Pricing may differ store to store. Do check with your retailer for accurate pricing.
Glide Gear TMP100 ($199)
Specifications
- Compatible with any smartphone or tablet up to 10.5 x 9.5 inches
- Glass size: 245 x 190mm (9.6 x 7.5 inches)
- Dimensions: 371 x 361 x 11.9mm (14.6 x 14.2 x 4.7 inches)
- Weight: 2.25kg (5lbs)
- No replacement glass available
Pros
- High build quality
- Easy to set up
- 10-feet reading range
Cons
- Does not fit iPad Pro
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- B&H Photo Singapore (Online)
- Ubuy Singapore (Online)
- SLR Revolution (Instore)
Desview T2 ($135)
Specifications
- Compatible with any smartphone and tablet up to 7.5 x 5.3 inches
- Glass size: 194.45 x 140.44mm (7.6 x 5.5 inches)
- Dimensions: 213.9 x 95 x 170.9mm (8.5 x 3.7 x 6.7 inches)
- Weight: 340g (12oz)
- No replacement glass available
Pros
- Cheap
- Includes remote control
- Supports wide angle lens
Cons
- Fiddly setup
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Lazada Singapore (Online)
- B&H Photo Singapore (Online)
- Cathay Photo (Instore)
Ikan PT3700 ($1699)
Specifications
- Comes with 17″ monitor
- Dimensions: 635 x 431.8 x 355.6mm (25 x 17 x 14 inches)
- Weight: 9525.44g (336oz)
- Replacement glass available for purchase (US$177.99)
Pros
- Professional
- Comes with 17″ monitor
- Compatible with camcorders
Cons
- Expensive
Where to buy
- Cam Werkz (Online)
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Media Architects (Online/Instore)
- Cathay Photo (Online/Instore)
Padcaster Parrot ($99)
Specifications
- Compatible with any smartphone
- Glass size: 89 x 114mm (3.5 x 4.5 inches)
- Dimensions: 20.3 x 15.2 x 20.3cm (8 x 6 x 8 inches)
- No replacement glass available
Pros
- Small and light
- Fast setup
Cons
- Small screen
- Cheap feel
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Padcaster (Online)
- B&H Photo (Online)
Autocue Professional Series 17″ Teleprompter (US$4,959)
Specifications
- Suitable for reading ranges of up to 6m
- Video Inputs: BNC (Composite)
- Resolution: 1280×1024
- Brightness: 420 Nits
- Size: 17” (432 mm)
- Weight: 10.5 kgs
- Replacement glass available for purchase (Enquire via Autocue)
Pros
- Professional
- Comes with monitor
- High contrast display
- Intended for high-end studios
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky
Where to buy
- Expandore Singapore
- B&H Photo Video (Online)
Ikan PT4700 ($2199)
Specifications
- Comes with 17″ monitor
- Comes with travel case for portability
- Dimensions: 20.3 x 15.2 x 20.3cm (8 x 6 x 8 inches)
- No Replacement glass available
Pros
- Professional
- Comes with monitor
- Travel case
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky for non-professional such as YouTubers
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Ikan (Online)
- B&H Photo (Online)
Datavideo TP-300 (US$399)
Specifications
- Compatible with tablets/iPads (Width to be within 11cm – 21cm)
- Comes with multi language support
- Dimensions: 25 x 21 x 44.7cm (9.84 x 8.27 x 17.6 inches
- Replacement glass available for purchase (Enquire via Autocue)
Pros
- Value for money
- Optional travel case
- Optional remote for wired/bluetooth control
Cons
- Darker glass (60/40) makes it easier for presenter to read but loss of light has to be made up for
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Datavideo (Online)
- B&H Photo (Online)
- Expandore Singapore
Ikan PT Elite V2
Specifications
- Compatible with tablets/iPads (Width to be within 15cm – 22.86cm)
- Comes with multi language support
- Dimensions: 42.5 x 39.37 x 49.5cm (6.75 x 15.5 x 19.5 inches)
- No replacement glass available
Pros
- Value for money
- Flexible as compared to V1
Cons
- Elite teleprompter application sold separately
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Ikan (Online)
- B&H Photo (Online)
LensGo TC7
Specifications
- Compatible with tablets/iPads (Width to be within 7.9 inches)
- Easy folding
- Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 21.5cm (7.9 x 6.1 x 8.5 inches)
- No replacement glass available
Pros
- Value for money
- Easy folding
- Good for compact set-ups
Cons
- Small
- Cheap feel
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Expandore Singapore
- B&H Photo (Online)
Video Solutions VSS-19L
Specifications
- Comes with 18.5 inch monitor
- Designed for studio use
- Dimensions: 45 x 48 cm (17.7 x 18.9 inches)
- Replacement glass available on website
- For small handheld camcorders
Pros
- Affordable as compared to other teleprompters for studio use
- Comes with built-in monitor
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive for average consumer
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Video Solutions (Online)
- Expandore Singapore
Video Solutions VSS-19M
Specifications
- Comes with 18.5 inch monitor
- Designed for studio use
- Dimensions: 45 x 48 cm (17.7 x 18.9 inches)
- Replacement glass available on website
- For big/shoulder mount camcorders
Pros
- Affordable as compared to other teleprompters for studio use
- Comes with built-in monitor
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive for average consumer
Where to buy
- Amazon Singapore (Online)
- Video Solutions (Online)
- Expandore Singapore
Teleprompter Filming in Studio
We have a small green screen studio, that is exclusively reserved for our clients. This allow us to provide high availability. We have used this studio to film management speech videos, character mascots, corporate videos and short skits. Other than that, our studio space is also suitable for live streaming with maximum of 2 presenters on-screen at any time.
To make a teleprompter video filming booking with us, get in touch with our Project Coordinator.
