Teleprompters have become a fundamental tool for the proper running of a live show in the field of content production for television and events

*This content is included in the October issue of TM BROADCAST. You can access the full magazine here.

What do Anderson Cooper (TV anchor, USA), Dwight D. Eisenhower (US president between 1953 and 1961), Felipe VI (King of Spain, 2014 – present time) Ana Blanco (TV presenter, Spain), Andreu Buenafuente (presenter and comedian, Spain), Xi Jinping (President of the People’s Republic of China, 2013 – present time), Graham Norton (TV presenter, Ireland/UK) all have in common? Surely there are many differences and similarities between them but what they share is the use of a teleprompter.

The teleprompter -also known as autocue or prompter- has become an essential tool for the correct running of a live broadcast in the field of content production for television and events. It is the perfect solution to establish a direct dialogue between viewers and presenters, communicators, and collaborators who are then able look and speak directly to the camera. But, it is also a resource enabling to read scripts, presentations, speeches, program introductions, monologues, etc., thus providing greater smoothness, freshness and assurance, without having to worry about the much dreaded lack of memory, confusion or cluelessness.

The teleprompter was originally invented by Hubert Schlafly (1919-2011) in 1950, when he was working as an electrical engineer for Twentieth Century Fox.

This is a device that was first equipped with a roll of continuous paper, featuring one-inch letters and powered by electric motors that allowed to present, in the first place, the texts to actors/actresses in order to avoid memory errors. A breakthrough, as it replaced any other medium that facilitated the work of actors and presenters, such as a blackboard, cardboard, cards or loose sheets.

Everything arose from the need of his friend -actor Fred Barton Jr.- to find a way to remember the scripts. Thus, Hubert Schlafly’s invention was used for the first time ever in the soap opera ‘The First Hundred Years’ (CBS).

Out of this friendship between Fred Barton Jr. (actor) and Hubert Schlafly (electrical engineer), together with Irving Kahn (radio and television executive), the company TelePrompTer Corporation (1950-1981) was set up.

Hubert Schlafly (TelePrompTer Corporation) received an Emmy Award in 1999 for his technical contributions to television, in recognition for his invention of the teleprompter and its impact on the broadcast industry.

What has been happening since the 1950s is simply constant innovation towards teleprompters more suited to the needs of TV and live events. The 1980s saw the transition to electronic monitoring systems. The 90s came and, with them, the digitization of the entire process. Portable models and widespread use arrived with the new millennium. Nowadays, apps, voice control, multi-device and cloud synchronization, and AI lead us to refer to a teleprompter system, that is, a combination of equipment and technologies.

Two teleprompter systems can be found. One clearly aimed at the field of television and the other known as podium or presidential teleprompter

First of all, we have everything that allows creation of content, that is, specialized software to render the correct format to texts, scripts and presentations that will be shown to the presenters. Of course, nowadays, everything runs under the operation of a computer. Some of the most used are PromptSmart Pro (voice control); Teleprompter Premium (iOS); Elegant Teleprompter (Android); PowerPrompter (Mac); Free Teleprompter Online (browser-based), EasyPrompter, TVprompt in its LE, XPro, Pro and MOS versions, or DVPrompter, among others.

Secondly, we refer to the presentation side. It consists of a screen connected to the computer, tablet, smartphone or laptop (provided with the software) and a reflecting glass (Beam Splitter) where the text generated by the above-mentioned software/computer is projected.

And third and last, what amounts to remote operation through a pedal, remote unit, mouse, Bluetooth, app or remote control, depending on the solution installed.

Two teleprompter systems can be found. One clearly aimed at the field of television (Teleprompter TV – TPTV), where the text presentation screen is placed just below a glass tilted a number of degrees and opposite the camera lens. This tilt causes the screen light beams not to enter through the camera lens. It involves carrying out a technical installation with the camera, whatever its type (plate with optical coupling, ENG, DNG, EFP, Compact, DSRL, Multipurpose, PTZ,…). This is the most popular solution, especially in most international, national, regional or local TV programs (news, game shows, talk shows, magazines…).

There is also another teleprompter system, known as podium or presidential teleprompter. In this case, the presentation device is only a transparent glass where the text is reflected and is placed on a mast at the level of the speaker’s eyes. In addition, it is visible only to the speaker, hiding the text from the audience’s point of view. This system is very commonly used in live events such as political events, business conferences and ceremonies, educational institutions, etc. Among the prominent manufacturers, we find AUTOCUE with its Kit Navigator Plus Conference model; DATAVIDEO TP-800; TVPROMPT TVConfer-Dual; TeleprompterPAD iPresent PRO Pack… and more.

Nowadays, apps, voice control, multi-device and cloud synchronization, and AI lead us to refer to a teleprompter system, that is, a combination of devices and technologies

In the field of concerts and theater, what is typically used are simple monitors or presentation screens, where the lyrics of the songs, texts and even the sequencing of the beat sheets are shown, together with other data normally used in the relevant live show to allow better coordination with singers and actors/actresses. And, if necessary, obviously, podium teleprompters can also be used.

The teleprompter has become a key element in audiovisual and live events. There are professional, portable, amateur solutions and even for home environments. The main teleprompter solutions within the broadcast TV environment are:

• AUTOSCRIPT – AUTOCUE. One of the most renowned brands and products in the broadcast industry. It offers a wide range of teleprompters, from portable models to integrated systems for news studios. Its QMaster/QBox IP system allows teleprompters to be controlled over a network, thus facilitating synchronization in complex production environments. Some models are: 19 Pioneer Studio Box Lens; 19 Explorer; 12 Pioneer Jib; EPIC IPM,…
• CUESCRIPT. It combines design and functionality, offering solutions ranging from portable teleprompters to advanced studio systems. It stands out for ease of integration with existing production systems and an intuitive interface. Recently, the CSMPPB Perfect Balance Plate has been launched, which makes it easy to set up the system.
• DATAVIDEO. It offers teleprompters such as the TP-900 and TP-950, designed for PTZ cameras and tablets, respectively. These models are ideal for live productions and conferences, and provide portable and easy-to-configure solutions. Also, the TP-300 for Apple and Android tablets.
• TVPROMPT. One of its most significant models is the 24″ LIGHTWEIGHT STUDIO, a professional teleprompter with beam splitting mirror, an ideal solution for studios and live productions. Available in standard and high-brightness versions, it is compatible with lightweight cameras and offers an easy setup.

This Spanish brand has presented its new range of PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras and integrated teleprompter systems.

• FORPROMPT STUDIO (Fortinge). It is a comprehensive teleprompter solution designed for professional users, including broadcasters, television studios, educational institutions and companies. It offers features such as run lists, preview, remote management, inversion, and support for SDI and NDI outputs.
• TELESCRIPT INTERNATIONAL. With more than 60 years in the industry, it provides high-quality teleprompter hardware and software for television and film. It offers customized solutions adapted to the specific needs of each production.

And since audiovisual is much more than the traditional television market, we can find more manufacturers that are spreading the use of teleprompters in the educational environment, vloggers, youtubers and more independent productions:

• FEELWORLD. It is renowned for offering accessible and functional teleprompter solutions. Current models that are worth noting: TP2A, TP10, TP16…
• IKAN. This manufacturer guarantees ease of use, portability and compatibility with tablets in its products. Some of its best-known models are PT-Elite Pro 2, PT1200-TK and PT4700-TK, among others.
• GLIDE GEAR. Koncept Innovators, LLC, better known in the trade as Glide Gear, was founded in 2010 by a group of amateur digital filmmakers and features four product ranges: Consumer Series, Pro Series, Interview TP and The Little Prompter.
• PROAIM. Somewhat less known, but noteworthy for offering solutions adapted to tablets and mobile phones: TP-50, P-TP300 and P-TPI.
• SMALLRIG. We must mention the multifunctional Teleprompter SmallRig 3646, designed for recording with a mirrorless camera.
• ELGATO Prompter. With a very limited offering, it is presented on the market with a compact tool compatible with Mac or PC computer systems, and for different types of cameras, smartphones or webcams: model 10WAD9901.

New innovations and artificial intelligence have also been incorporated into cue control and management. Thus, Vitec group has introduced Autoscript Voice, an advanced voice recognition technology that frees presenters and production staff from their scroll control devices. By using Voice for WinPlus-IP, presenters are able, in a reliable and accurate way, to have real-time control of the scrolling of text on the screen simply through voice.

It is essential to compare and test the various existing solutions within budget constraints and according to certain key technical parameters: from weight, design and solid construction, through aspect ratio, brightness (cd/m2), input signal and connections (BNC, HDMI, VGA, DP…), resolution, viewing angle (h/v)…; to compatibility with cameras.

We are in 2025; teleprompter offering is wider and more varied than ever 75 years after its invention.