Using a teleprompter is a great idea for any kind of video production, but they’re especially useful during live broadcasts. Live broadcasts require the subjects on camera to look rehearsed, professional, and polished – teleprompters can help with that.
Read Best Uses for a Teleprompter: What You Need to Know and How to Get the Most Out of a Teleprompter in Your Production
The benefits to using a teleprompter are that it can help keep your production running smoothly, prevent you from forgetting your lines, and help you stay on script. They’re one of the most important pieces of equipment used in live broadcast productions as they help to avoid any awkward pauses or mistakes. Teleprompters are used for live productions such as political speeches and debates, newscasts, award shows, and more.
There are several different types of teleprompters that can be used in live broadcast productions. Each type has its own set of pros and cons that you should consider when deciding which one to use for your project.
Teleprompter Types
There are many different types of teleprompters that can be used for live broadcasts. The type of teleprompter you can use will depend on your budget, the size of your production, and the needs of your presenter. Teleprompters, like other gear, come in a few different shapes, sizes, and costs so it’s important to know the needs of your production before you purchase or rent one.
Camera Mounted Teleprompter
A camera mounted teleprompter is a teleprompter that is attached to the top or bottom of a video camera. This type of teleprompter is ideal for use in live broadcasts because it allows the presenter to read the teleprompter script while looking directly into the camera lens. This helps to create a more natural and engaging delivery.
However, camera mounted teleprompters can be more expensive than other types of teleprompters and they can be difficult to set up and use.
Camera mounted teleprompters are used primarily for newscasts, political speeches, and other live broadcasts where the presenter needs to be able to deliver a polished and professional performance while seemingly making eye contact with the audience at home.
Portable Teleprompter
A portable teleprompter is a teleprompter that is not attached to a video camera. This type of teleprompter can be placed on a tripod or another support structure. It is ideal for use in live broadcasts where the presenter does not have to be directly next to the camera.
Portable teleprompters are less expensive than camera mounted teleprompters and they are easier to set up and use. However, they can be more difficult to read because the presenter has to look down at the teleprompter screen instead of directly into the camera lens.
These teleprompters can be used for many different types of live broadcasts. They’re great for sketch comedy shows, impromptu newscasts, and other broadcasts where the presenter needs to be able to move around freely.
Floor Mounted Teleprompter
A floor mounted teleprompter is a teleprompter that is placed on the floor in front of the presenter. This type of teleprompter is ideal for use in live broadcasts where the presenter is not able to be directly next to the camera.
Floor mounted teleprompters are less expensive than camera mounted teleprompters and they are easier to set up and use. However, they can be more difficult to read because the presenter has to look down at the teleprompter screen instead of directly into the camera lens.
Tabletop Teleprompter
A tabletop teleprompter is a teleprompter that is placed on a table or other flat surface. This type of teleprompter is ideal for use in live broadcasts where the presenter is not able to be directly next to the camera.
Tabletop teleprompters are less expensive than camera mounted teleprompters and they are easier to set up and use. However, they can be more difficult to read because the presenter has to look down at the teleprompter screen instead of directly into the camera lens.
Tabletops are great for live productions such as webcasts, webinars, and other broadcasts where the presenter might have limited space for production equipment, but still want to make use of a teleprompter.
Presidential Teleprompter
A presidential teleprompter is a teleprompter that is designed for use by the President of the United States. This type of teleprompter is the most expensive and difficult to use teleprompter. Presidential teleprompters are typically only used for major speeches or events.
These teleprompters need to be large enough for the President, or whomever is using it, to be able to read the teleprompter script while looking directly into the camera lens. Presidential teleprompters are typically operated by two people and they require a lot of setup and testing before they can be used.
Presidential teleprompters are only used for the most important speeches and events. They are not practical for use in live broadcasts where the presenter needs to be able to move around freely or make impromptu changes to the script. Nor are they practical cost-wise.
Teleprompter Screen Types
Now that we’ve discussed different teleprompter set ups, we should also discuss screen types. Screen types can really make a difference in how easy a speaker can read it and how they affect the power source you’ll need to have access to.
LED Teleprompter
An LED teleprompter is a teleprompter that uses an LED screen instead of a traditional LCD screen. This type of teleprompter is more expensive than a traditional teleprompter, but it has several advantages.
The biggest advantage of an LED teleprompter is that the screen can be seen in direct sunlight. This is a big advantage for use in live broadcasts where the teleprompter might be placed outside. LED teleprompters are also less likely to have glare issues than LCD teleprompters.
The downside of LED teleprompters is that they typically have a shorter battery life than LCD teleprompters. They also can’t be used with all teleprompter software, so you’ll need to research what you can and cannot use with this type of machine.
LCD Teleprompter
An LCD teleprompter is a teleprompter that uses an LCD screen instead of a traditional LED screen. This type of teleprompter is less expensive than an LED teleprompter, but it has several disadvantages.
The biggest disadvantage of an LCD teleprompter is that the screen can’t be seen in direct sunlight. This is a big disadvantage for use in live broadcasts where the teleprompter might be placed outside. LCD teleprompters are also more likely to have glare issues than LED teleprompters.
The upside of LCD teleprompters is that they typically have a longer battery life than LED teleprompters. They can also be used with virtually all teleprompter software.
How can I get my hands on a teleprompter for my next live broadcast production?
The first option is an obvious, but expensive one: you can purchase a teleprompter. This is a good option if you’ll be broadcasting regularly and know exactly what kind of teleprompter you’re going to need for every live production you’re going to do in the future.
However, purchasing has a few downsides. First, teleprompters can be expensive. They range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the features you need. Second, teleprompters are not always easy to transport or set up, so you’ll need to factor that into the cost as well. Also, you can’t just test them out before you purchase them to make sure that it’s the right teleprompter for the job at hand, let alone for all of your future productions.
The second option is to rent one. This option is great for many different reasons!
First, you can rent to test out a specific teleprompter style to see if it would work for your future productions before you make a purchase. That way, you can be sure that you like the style, can set it up properly, and can easily read it.
Secondly, renting can save you money when you’re not regularly producing live broadcasts. If you only need to use a teleprompter once in a while, purchasing one doesn’t make sense monetarily. However, when you do need it, renting gives you the opportunity to get your hands on one without breaking the bank. Not to mention, you also get access to the newest models and know you’re not using outdated technology.
Renting also has the advantage of convenience. When you’re ready to use a teleprompter, it can be delivered right to your door and be set up for you. Which can save you a lot of time and hassle.
So, if you’re looking for a teleprompter for your next live broadcast production, consider renting one! It could be the best option for you.
Where can I rent a teleprompter?
You can easily rent a teleprompter, as well as other types of production equipment from C&I Studios!
We offer rental services for production equipment, crew, and studios. That means that you can easily access our library of cameras, lenses, microphones, lighting equipment, and, of course, teleprompters any time!
Our studios are fully equipped, sound proofed, and ready to go for your next production. We have studios located throughout the United States, in New York City, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale.
If you’re ready to rent a teleprompter for your next live broadcast production, reach out to us! We’ll help you start the rental process and help you get access to any production equipment and crew that you need to make your production a success!
Can’t get enough? Read more: What to Look for in a Broadcast Studio in LA