recommendation on field teleprompter purchase

Teri

I have a old QTV 9" over the lens system that I drive with CPC software. It runs on a laptop but does use a scan converter to make video out of the VGA computer display. It can be quirky but in general works well. I don't know your level of experience with prompting but it can be tricky and absolutely needs a dedicated and reasonably skilled operator. It might be better to establish a relationship with a production company in your area that provides this as a service, rather than gettting into it yourself.

Having said that, when everything works, it is a slick system. We also have the "presidential" unit that you see on TV all the time. CEOs love it!

Check out the back pages in any of the trade mags, lots of systems there.

Kevin

Kevin Sio
Videographer/Editor
Corporate Communications
National Grid

I've seen both the QTV's and the Stewart's software and QTV used to be the shizzle (sorry, I went Snoop Dogg). I loved the early version but after the upgrade, I got lost in a lot of places. The Stewart version is SO easy! Even if you went with more expensive prompting hardware, I would recommend Stewart's because of the ease of use. If you aren't doing multiple scripts, back to back to back, then you won't really start to utilize the QTV. It is more news and live production ready, with a deeper learning curve. Both companies are extremely good though I lean towards the Stewart model, my old shop has had exceptional service and support from QTV.

Matt Sowder
Fiddler's Ridge Productions

Matt had one leeetle thing wrong; My system uses a head assembly made by Stewart. The software Matt and I glowingly praise is in fact NOT by Stewart. Stewart's software is a little older and clunky but it DOES come free with the bundle.

But the real "shizznick" software is Telescreen-32 by DRS-Digitrax. THAT's the one you should download and check out for free.

LCD panels are great, until you need to get them serviced. I agree they are lighter, but if my CRT breaks down I can go to any TV repair shop and get it turned around really quick, for not a lot of money. I don't know that you can say the same for the LCD, and the LCD's are still more expensive. I think we'll all eventually go that way, but I'm not ready yet;-)

Mark,
When you have time do think you could send me a list of your set up? I might also add the "presidential" screens as well.



Matt Sowder
Fiddler's Ridge Productions