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Ridiculously Low Cost®
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Teleprompter?
A Teleprompter is a device consisting of hardware and software that allows someone ("talent") to read lines of text, electronically, in front of a camera, eliminating the need for cue-cards or memorization.
How Does a Teleprompter Work?
A Teleprompter is an electrical means for talent to be able to read lines,
while on camera, and still maintain eye contact with viewers. Similar to using
Cue Cards (but with the added benefit of maintaining talent eye contact with the
lens), text is projected onto a front surfaced two-way mirror which is
positioned in front of the camera lens. The talent sees the text, but the
viewers see only the talent looking right at them.
Text is created and displayed
using a Teleprompter Software package running on a computer. The software
scrolls the text under the control of a computer operator for the talent to see on
the Teleprompter.
There are three elements to a Teleprompter
1) Teleprompter
Head which includes the Hood, Reflector, and mounting system for camera and
tripod. We offer several sizes of monitors and a flat panel depending on your
application and weight limitations.
2) Teleprompter Software which
provides for creating, editing and scrolling the text to be read by the talent.
We make Teleprompter Software available for IBM PC compatible DOS, and Windows
95/98/SE/NT/2000, as well as MAC.
3) Teleprompter Interface which
includes the conversion box which transforms and/or routes the video image from
the computer to the Teleprompter Monitor. Interfaces take the form of a Splitter
for our VGA monitors, or a Scan Converter for our Composite video monitors.
You
need to supply your computer, camera, and tripod.
How much technical background do I need to use a Teleprompter?
A Teleprompter is a production tool, but is not rocket science. You will need an understanding of your computer and how it runs applications. You will need a knowledge of how a computer monitor connects to the computer. You will need to understand how your camera and tripod mounting and disconnect mechanism work. You will need to know how to use simple tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
Hardware: In most cases, but not always, your teleprompter will come shipped to you fully assembled. Remove your camera from your tripod, install the teleprompter head onto you tripod, then mount your camera to the teleprompter head. Standard 1/4"x20 hardware (meaning nuts, bolts and washers) is usually provided.
The Teleprompter Head's tripod mounting hole will fit right onto your tripod's fluid head mounting stud located on its quick-disconnect (if present), then the whole assembly is retained with a 1/4"x20 nut and lock washer. Similarly, your camera will mount to the Teleprompter Head by utilizing the 1/4"x20 bolt through the hole in the Teleprompter Head's camera plate and into your camera's threaded mounting hole.
The key here is to recognize if the camera mounting hardware (bolt) is too long for your camera. Test by hand tightening the bolt into your camera's threaded hole before installing it on the Teleprompter Head's camera plate. There should be less than 1/8" of threads left exposed. Any more than that, then you have have to insert one or more (supplied) 1/4" washers to close up the gap or choose a smaller bolt. Make a note of how many washers it took to fill the gap, and be sure to use the same washer count when you install your camera onto the camera plate.
With the camera washers and bolt installed, tighten the bolt enough to thoroughly snug the camera to the camera plate so it doesn't move, but NOT with so much force that you break the threaded insert in the bottom of your camera. You will be using about the same force that you would use to mount your camera to your tripod's quick-disconnect.
Desktop PC Hook-up: The VGA video signal from your computer finds its way to the Teleprompter monitor through a splitter (supplied). Disconnect your present operator's VGA monitor from your computer, Plug the splitter into your computer's VGA port. Plug your operator's monitor back into the splitter, and connect the VGA cable from the Teleprompter monitor into the other port of the splitter.
Laptop PC Hookup: Your Laptop PC must have an external VGA port. Most do, some do not -check you manual. Simply connect the VGA cable from the Teleprompter monitor to this external VGA port on your Laptop PC.
Software: The Teleprompter software is supplied on a CD. Insert the CD into your CD drive, double click on the SETUP.exe file using your file manager. Run the Teleprompter program the first time and select HELP/REGISTRATION from the main menu across the top of the Welcome screen. Email the INSTALL CODE that you see in the dialog box to the listed email address, and you will receive a return email with your UNLOCK CODE, which you will type in this dialog box to unlock your program from its Demo mode.
What Technical Support is available if I run into a problem?
All of our products include unlimited Customer Care. If you have a problem, then we have a problem. Everyone whom you encounter on our Customer Care phone or email support has years of experience in television production, teleprompter troubleshooting and computer applications, and will get you up and running with a minimum of aggravation or stress. We have helped thousands of production supervisors, school teachers and technicians since 1984, so the likelihood of you throwing us a curve is pretty small.
If our line is busy when you call, please leave a detailed message. We return ALL of our calls. If your situation is urgent, please say so. Let us know the best time to get back to you by phone, or leave us your email address so that we can respond even if we can't connect with you by phone. Consider backing up your message with an email to us. Your email to any of our email addresses will find its way to our Customer Care desk if you are having a problem, so feel free to use any of them. For fastest service email your request for help to CustomerCare@siinc.us
.How can a Teleprompter help my video production Students?
A teleprompter can help students on a couple of fronts: Their news and talking head productions will look better to all who view them, and what they learn is directly applicable to resume building to assist in their job search after graduation.
Having a better production makes you look good as an instructor, makes your department look more professional and successful, widens your distribution throughout your network, builds a better team spirit and benefits your students through boosting their oh-so-important self-esteem.
With economic times as they are, almost all young people will be in the workforce after high school graduation, whether they go on to college or not. Doesn't it make sense to outfit these folks with a skill that immediately translates into a leg up on their competition for good paying production jobs in television? Not a whole lot of brainpower to figure out which is better: building a resume working as a paid intern at a television station or working a dead-end job at Burger King or MacDonald's. After all, isn't maximizing young people's potential the reason that you got into the education sector in the first place?
Can the Teleprompter Software work with my existing brand-name word processor?
Yes. All of our Teleprompter Software packages will accept ASCII text files (text files with NO embedded control codes) generated or exported by all major brand-name word processors, as well as text created by the Teleprompter Software's own built-in text editor. Simply save your text file as either an ASCII, DOS-text, or Plain-Text file. You may also use Windows Clipboard to copy text from your word processor and paste the text into the Windows-based Teleprompter program.
What are the computer requirements to run the Windows-based Teleprompting Software package?
The Windows Teleprompting Software package will run on any Pentium Desktop or Laptop PC equipped with a 400mhz or faster processor, a 640x480pixel x 256 color graphics system (fast 2mb or 4mb is recommended) and either Windows 95/98/SE/ME/NT/2000/2003/XP operating system, or we can supply you a Ridiculously Low Cost desktop Pentium-based computer and accessories (check out our Smokin' Pentium Computer Deal)!
What kind of computer do I need to run the DOS Teleprompter Software?
The PROmpter Teleprompter Software package will run on any IBM PC or compatible, 486 or faster, Desktop or Laptop computer, with VGA graphics, running DOS or Windows 95/98/SE/ME/2000 operating systems. Don't go to the expense of purchasing a high speed computer just to dedicate to teleprompting. That old 486 computer gathering dust in the storeroom will probably work just fine with our Teleprompter system, or we can supply you a Ridiculously Low Cost small-footprint Pentium Desktop Teleprompter computer and accessories (check out our Smokin' Pentium Computer Deal)!
How can I be sure the Teleprompter Software will work with my computer before I purchase the full system?
Be sure to download a copy of our Demonstration Software package for
- DOS/Windows Desktop or Laptop,
- Windows-Based computers,
- MAC-Based computers
If the Demo works on your system, then the full-featured package will, also.
Can my laptop computer simultaneously display the teleprompter's scrolling text on the built-in LCD display while, at the same time, display the scrolling text on the teleprompter monitor?
Most laptops offer this simultaneous display capability as a feature, some do not. Many laptops use a hot-key sequence to switch between internal LCD viewing and external teleprompter monitor viewing. Check your laptop's user manual for this sequence. Some laptops actually auto-detect. If there is any monitor connected to the external video port, it automatically shuts off the internal LCD monitor. A few laptops make you switch a mechanical switch to select monitors.
Which system is right for use with my laptop computer?
All of our Flat Panel LCD Teleprompters look like a VGA multisync monitor to your laptop, as do our Composite monitor Teleprompters when equipped with our VGA/Composite Encoder. All of these are well-suited for your laptop.
How is the image on the CRT or FlatPanel reversed?
The days of internally reversed VGA monitors are gone. The market was too small and the resulting manufacturing cost too large. All of the VGA monitors supplied with our Ridiculously Low Cost Teleprompters are NON-reversing. All of our CRT monitors that we supply are internally reversed.
The reversing of the Teleprompter image (which is required for all single-reflector teleprompter systems) is usually handled in the software. A button commands the format of the scrolled text to display in Reverse- or Right-reading during scrolling. This action only takes place during scrolling, normal computer activities are all automatically done in right-reading mode.
If your teleprompter software cannot reverse the scrolled image (all of our software products CAN reverse), then the alternative is to reverse the VGA image utilizing an accessory Hardware Reverser. The Hardware Reverser is a stand-alone box that will electronically reverse the VGA signal to all of your Teleprompter monitors (you only need to buy one reverser no matter how many teleprompter heads you have in your system). With the Hardware Reverser, both your Talent and your Operator will be seeing right-reading text during scrolling. Convenient? Yes. Expensive? Yes.
If I am using a non-reversing VGA LCD Flat Panel Teleprompter head, what can I do to get the operator AND the Talent to see right-reading text without having to buy the expensive Hardware Reverser?
Most of our clients do not find it necessary to purchase our Reversing Hardware unit when using a non-reversing VGA LCD Flat Panel Display. It's really not that difficult to follow along with your Talent and control the scroll speed even if you are looking at reversed text.
However, there is a Ridiculously Low Cost solution: Purchase a piece of 1/8" Lexan, Plexiglas or Acrylic, cut just slightly smaller than your laptop or desktop operator's computer monitor ($1.25 at your home center). Install the Acrylic sheet against your monitor screen and apply a tape hinge down the left or right side of the Acrylic sheet. Look through the Acrylic sheet when performing normal computer functions. When you are ready to scroll text, simply swing out the Acrylic reflector and look at the reflection of your monitor's text. Voila, right-reading scrolling text! Low cost, innovative and easy to do. Maybe not the right solution for the IBM corporations of the world, but perfect for the small production house or school studio.
For more information on this and other inexpensive Ridiculously Low Cost tips, please visit our Prompter University website.
What kind of video connectors are on the Teleprompter Monitor?
Our LCD Flat Panel Models are direct feed VGA monitors and are outfitted with standard IBM PC compatible DB-15HD (high density) connectors. These are the same connectors used on newer MAC computers. Older MACs use a full size DB-15 connector - inexpensive adapters are available to convert to the high density connector.
Our CRT Composite video Model employs a light weight, composite monitor, which has been manufactured to our specifications to include a single RCA video input connector.
How can I connect multiple Teleprompter System Monitors?
For Our CRT Composite Video Monitors: Up to two Composite video monitor Models can be daisy-chained together (we provide 20' cable and y-adapter with each system), due to the drive power limitations of most scan converters. To support up to six systems simultaneously, we can supply a Ridiculously Low Cost 1-in:3-out Distribution Amp (DA).
For our Flat Panel VGA Video Monitors: Due to the nature of VGA monitors, our Flat Panel LCD monitors require a VGA Splitter/Distribution Amplifier to connect multiple monitors together. We offer two versions of VGA Splitter: 1-in/2-output and 1-input/4-output Splitter. The splitters can be ganged for larger capacity.
What if I want to use my own monitor or FlatPanel with one of your systems?
You may order any of our systems without a monitor at a discount if you
would rather outfit with your own monitor.
Our CRT and LCD monitors bolt to
the Teleprompter head with 1/4" hardware mounted on 7-7/8" centers,
either directly or through the use of L-brackets mounted to the monitor.
You
may want to fabricate an aluminum U-bracket to wrap around your CRT monitor of
choice, then mount the U-bracket to the Teleprompter head using 1/4" bolts.
The U-bracket could be made out of .125" thick x 1.5" wide 5052
aluminum stock, long enough to wrap three sides of your monitor. Alternatively,
you may wish to fabricate a tray in which to set your LCD Flat Panel monitor,
then mount the tray to the 1/4" hardware on the teleprompter head.
You
may have to remount the Hood on the Teleprompter head to center it over your
monitor. The Hood is attached with 10-32 hardware. The Teleprompter head is
manufactured entirely out of aluminum, so you can easily drill new holes if you
need to.
Will I get vignetting when I zoom out?
Vignetting is the result of zooming your lens out so far that the camera picks up the sides or top of the Teleprompter hood or some other unintended obstruction. The effect is like the camera is looking into a cave. At normal Talent reading distances, the Teleprompter hood will not cause vignetting. Our hood systems are rectangle, filled with optically flat glass. However, depending on how short a throw your lens offers you, you may get vignetting from the Hood edges at full pull out. It depends entirely on your camera/lens combination and how close to the reflector that you mount your camera on the Teleprompter Head.
What kind of reflectors do you use?
We ship two reflectors with each system: A 70/30 front coated reflector for
normal lighting, and a clear reflector for low light conditions.
Optically clear
Beam Splitters are available for those of you shooting film cameras which cannot
cope with the neutral grey filter effect of the coated reflectors. They run
about $350 from one of the optics supply houses (contact customer service for
ordering info). Understand that Beam Splitters are notoriously fragile - sometime shattering if you just look at it the wrong way.
99% of our customers DO NOT need
the more expensive Beam Splitter.
Why is your system so Ridiculously Low Cost compared to other company's products?
After being in the Teleprompter Hardware and Software manufacturing business for so many years (continuously since 1984), we think we understand Teleprompter Design and Manufacturing pretty well. Our Ridiculously Low Cost Teleprompting System designs are regularly reviewed to provide you a good-pull-for-your-money hardware/software solution which is well-targeted at an environment that we understand - the production facility or school studio on a tight budget. Add to that our second-to-none Customer Care, and we think that you will agree that this is an unbeatable combination. Our closely-held family corporation dances to a different profit tune than the publicly-held corporations that compete with us. The result is a Product Mix and Customer Care combination fine tuned to our customers' needs, which keeps them happy, and us in business.
How soon can I get my order?
We usually ship your order within three to five working days from the receipt of your payment. We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards, Cashier's check, Money Order, and Wire Funds Transfer. Our Teleprompter System prices include ground shipping to US addresses only, which may take 3-5 days. Guaranteed Overnight, 2-day and 3-day shipping services are available at extra cost. We accept valid signed Purchase Orders from 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit agencies, Government institutions or Schools without prior approval. We may also accept Purchase Orders from dealers, and corporations on a case-by-case basis. Please call Customer Care (928-778-6988) for details.
What if I want to order from overseas?
We primarily ship to United States addresses - that is, destinations with a valid USPS Zip Code. Custom's fees, broker's fees and the associated export paperwork conspire to make selling Teleprompters at these prices outside the USA unprofitable for us. However, if you accept responsibility for the additional export fees, taxes and paperwork, we will accept your overseas order.
Understand that our Teleprompter Head monitors operate on only 12vdc and 110vac/60hz. and that we can sell our Teleprompter heads without a monitor at a reduced price, in order for you to install your own locally compatible monitor on the Head. Contact Contact our International Sales desk for more information.
If you want to purchase one of our systems from overseas, first contact a Customs Broker or International Freight Forwarder with offices in the United States (check the Yellow Pages or search the internet) and arrange for them to receive your Teleprompter Order from us at one of their US addresses. You will be paying them a fee to forward your order to you. These folks are experts in exporting and overseas shipping - they make pretty short work of it.
Alternatively, contact International United Parcel Service, International Federal Express, or International DHL for information on them acting as Customs Broker for your order (they all regularly do this as a service to their customers). They usually make us fill out mountains of paperwork, though, and that cost gets passed through to you, usually $100-$200 in additional labor fees. In the long run, it may be less expensive for you, but we really don't like filling out paperwork!
Then place your order with us with instructions on how to ship your order. The US Government expects us to supply a NAFTA Declaration, a Certificate of Origin, and Customs Invoice forms to your shipper, we will supply that paperwork at a flat rate of $100/hour, one hour minimum. If your Broker or Forwarding Agent requires us to provide any additional paperwork, that too will be billed at the rate above.
Be prepared to pay for your order by MasterCard or Visa, or with a Cashier's Check in US funds drawn on a US Bank. International Credit Cards will not be accepted as payment. ANY check drawn on a Non-US bank will also be rejected. Be aware that the Rate of Exchange of US money fluctuates from day to day. Any currency conversion fees must be paid by the buyer before shipment is made.