1. Screen size
The Reading Matrix gives the maximum distance from presenter to lens. Some presenters prefer larger screens for eyesight reasons.
Guide
How to pick the right prompter.
Ten things to consider, from screen size and brightness to software and the presenter.
Brightness
How many nits?
Match the monitor to where you are shooting.
| Where | Brightness |
|---|---|
| Indoors | About 350 to 500 nits (most tablets reach this) |
| Outdoors, bright sun | 1200 to 1500 nits (the Quasar range) |
Considerations
The checklist
2. Brightness
About 350 to 500 nits indoors, 1200 to 1500 nits outdoors in bright sun.
3. Software
PC software such as WinDigi suits multi-camera and newsroom work. Tablets are cheaper and good for handheld wireless use but limited in script connections and editing.
4. Interrotron
Lets an interviewee look at the interviewer rather than the lens. Passive (reflector hood) and active (second camera feed) variants.
5. Direct read
Mounting the prompter above or below the lens suits jibs, cranes, drones and green screen work, and is largely invisible on mid or wide shots.
6. Talent monitors
Mounted beneath the main prompter to show position in a virtual studio or the programme output. Clocks can be added.
7. Lightweight hoods
Folding hoods keep weight down so large screens such as 24" or 32" don't upset camera balance or mobility.
8. Robotic PTZ cameras
Specialised mounting plates allow prompters on PTZ cameras. Dome cameras are harder to rig.
9. Control and signal
Consider hand or foot controllers or a PC mouse, plus the signal type: VGA, HDMI, SDI, composite or NDI.
10. Talent first
The operator scrolls at the presenter's pace
Practice, natural delivery and bullet points help if scripted reading isn't the presenter's strength.
The interrotron was developed in the 1980s by US film director Errol Morris.
Questions
Still deciding?
Tablet or PC software?
Tablets are cheaper and good for handheld wireless use, but limited in script connections and editing, and scrolling must follow the presenter rather than run at a fixed speed. PC software such as WinDigi suits multi-camera and newsroom work.
What is an interrotron?
It lets an interviewee look at the interviewer rather than the lens.
Will a large screen unbalance the camera?
Lightweight folding hoods keep weight down so 24" or 32" screens do not upset balance or mobility.
Not sure what to choose?
Describe the job to the team: +44 (0)1494 450414.