NAB 2012 - A look at the ProPrompter iPad teleprompter

keylight

keylight

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A little video I shot at NAB 2012 on the iPad ProPrompter teleprompter. Rumor is, they are planning an Android tablet version soon. Yeah!


There was a ton of coverage at booths of the big guys, but not much at some of the smaller companies that were showing their smaller but incredibly useful products. So I thought I'd spend some of my time at the show covering the little guy. And to be absolutely crystal clear, I received no compensation of any kind in exchange for this video. The folks in these videos (there will be a couple more) were kind enough to give me a few minutes of their time. Can't be said for some of the companies at NAB (cough - Manfrotto - cough).
 
I hope they improved the app that goes along with it. We were given one of these at work, and the app was so terrible we stopped using it. You would attempt to slow down the script, and it would take a long while before the app would react to that. Also not being able to tilt the mirror down to a better angle for the talent to view was a huge problem as well.
 
robmneilson said:
I hope they improved the app that goes along with it. We were given one of these at work, and the app was so terrible we stopped using it. You would attempt to slow down the script, and it would take a long while before the app would react to that. Also not being able to tilt the mirror down to a better angle for the talent to view was a huge problem as well.
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Interesting.... I played with the scrolling a bit (off camera) and it seemed pretty smooth. Perhaps they've done an update?

I've never actually used a teleprompter that had an adjustable mirror. I suppose the mirror and monitor would both have to tilt in order to maintain the correct angle, or you wouldn't be able to see the prompt.

Though I would think a better solution would be to change the height of the camera. Otherwise, I'd imagine your camera would be looking down (or up) at the talent, and it might look a little funny.

I suppose I'm not really understanding the adjustment problem. (Not saying you didn't encounter a problem, just that I can't picture it in my mind.)
 
I'd imagine they improved the app, since when we had the proprompter it was over a year ago. The usual prompter we use is gigantic, and the mirror is on a hinge so you can adjust the view for the talent (and you don't have to adjust the monitor underneath).

We ran into the tilt adjustment issue several times. When using two actors of a different height in the same shot the smaller one couldn't see a portion of the screen. We ended up just breaking out our huge and cumbersome prompter for the next on-location shoot. That said the proprompter is lightweight and fairly easy to use (my problems with the app withstanding) and a good price point. But It would make it so much more usable if they just put the mirror on a locking hinge.
 
I'm looking for one to use with an iPad, but since the iPad will be replaced every other year or so, would like one that can mount standard monitor as well. Prompter People has one, Flex iPad for $899 upgradable to Flex D11. Are there any others?
 
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percoplus said:
I'm looking for one to use with an iPad, but since the iPad will be replaced every other year or so, would like one that can mount standard monitor as well. Prompter People has one, Flex iPad for $899 upgradable to Flex D11. Are there any others?
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I think the guy at ProPrompter mentioned in the video that they sell one with an LCD that can take a feed from an iPad. Don't remember if that LCD can be swapped with the iPad, but it's a good question to ask them. That would make it even more useful. Good idea!
 
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