Prompter systems from Autocue Company

By Arseny Voroshilov

Review contents:

Prompting: it is not only for the news Television crib Portable teleprompter ART-5 for studio and field shooting Acoustical prompter ART-9 Prompter systems from Autocue Company BDLAutoscript Teleprompters Software for TeleScreen-32 Pro teleprompters from DRS-DigiTrax Systems from Electronic Script Prompting Company Inteliprompter Software Engenius Prompting Mirror Image teleptompters Teleprompters of Stewart Instruments VSS-2 Teleprompter Color TFT LCD Teleprompting Displays and Software from Telescript Teleview Teleprompters The teleprompter of Vectorbox News system

The Autocue Company already almost 50 years is engaged in development and production of the TV prompting equipment, constantly trying to use the most modern technologies and achievements. In considerable degree the equipment is created on base of the requirements by leading world broadcasters, professionals of video production, corporations and prominent personalities, for instance politicians.

Today inside the briefcase of Autocue there is broad assortment of reliable and efficient equipment for TV prompting.

Besides equipment the company produces the systems of broadcast automation and of media resources management, in which, naturally, the applications for teleprompters are integrated.

Software applications

Application WinCue LT is provided for installation in notebook and can be used both in studio, and in out-of-studio functioning. The particularity of this package is the full screen mode of the text editing that allows to execute the text preparing and include the changes directly in process of the functioning since the picture display is realized simultaneously on two monitors: of computer and of teleprompter. The settings can be personalized up to the font size, its color and the scrolling speed. WinCue LT supports the different languages and allows importing the files easy of Word, RTF and txt format.

Besides, with the WinCue LT Dual system the operator can control by two computers simultaneously, for what a serial port or network TCP/IP are used.

Autocue teleprompter in work

The main features of WinCue LT are the following:

• Use of standard functionality of OS Windows and all its attributes;
• Support of the Unicode, and it is signifies that all languages are supported;
• Use the marks and possibility of the quick transition to them;
• Screens of the help, checking of the orthography and statistics of the word number;
• Some thousands fonts such as True Type.

The package WinCue is the application with one level higher, than previous. It is based on Windows platform and provides the extended functions of the work with text for any TV program: news, sport competition translation, entertainment show and others, in which there is an announcer or a presenter.

As well as in WinCue LT, here is provided the settings for each presenter and support of all languages.

If it is functioning together with PCI-card Image Motion Technology the very fluent movement of the text on the screen is achieved.

WinCue application interface

The main features of WinCue are the following:

• Studio and out-of-studio apply;
• Manual control by two buttons;
• Screens of the help, checking of the orthography and statistics of the word number;
• Some thousands fonts such as true type;
• Functioning both on desk computer, and on notebook;
• Import from MS Word and other word processors;
• Possibility of external synchronizing of the Image Motion Technology Video card.

WinCue Pro represents the full-functioning application for teleprompter and it is provided to use during preparing of any TV program, including news editions. This application has all similar functions, as WinCue, plus full control of reproduction and the possibility to execute the close-up shooting of the presenter. There is also the possibility of the text editing directly during its reading by announcer.

Also WinCue Pro provided by the patented technology of smooth scrolling of the text and may be modernized up to level WinCue Pro News.

WinCue LT installed on notebook

Basic characteristics WinCue Pro:

• Full control of display, simultaneous editing and display of the text;
• Interfaces MS PowerPoint and Autocue for control of robotized pedestals;
• Some thousand fonts such as True Type;
• Work both on desktop computers, and on notebooks;
• Possibility of a genlock of card Image Motion Technology Video.

Packet WinCue Pro News is intended for application in studios of preparation of news. It not only supports functions of all previous versions, but also on 100 % is integrated with systems of automation of preparation and distribution in an air of news. Besides there is an possibility of constant updating of system in a mode of real time. If necessary the system may work independently, outside of structure of a complex of news studio automation.

Basic characteristics WinCue Pro News:

• Integration with systems of automation Q-News, Avstar, ENPS, iNews, NewsMaker and others;
• Full-function multi-button manual operation;
• Possibility of a close-up shot.

LCD based teleprompters

OCU12FDP

The teleprompter of increased luminance OCU12FDP is equipped by the color 12" LCD-monitor and may receive the power supply both from a network of an alternating current, and from a power source by voltage 12 V. It provides high picture quality and is universal by way of application: it is provided by sufficient sizes for use in studio, it is easy so, that it can be taken for field work, and has the strong, reliable construction protecting it from environment influence. Advantage of these prompters is the possibility of their use together with robotized pedestals for cameras.

Advantages OCU12FDP:

• High picture quality;
• Accuracy of control;
• Completely digital realization;
• Low power consumption;
• Absence of geometrical distortions.

Teleprompter OCU12FDPTR only insignificantly differs from OCU12FDP. Perhaps, the basic difference is the arrangement of the monitor. OCU12FDPTR, as against OCU12FDP, fastens not from above (above the lens axis), but from below the head of the prompter. This teleprompter is adapted to work with wide-angle lenses that makes its convenient in small studio or in the field conditions.

OCU17FDP

Model OCU15FDP (ultra) is created on the basis of an active thin-film color LCD matrix. On the screen of this prompter it is possible to remove not only the text, but also the video picture. Monitor OCU15FDP (ultra) is characterized by high luminance, contrast and resolution that provides good readership of the text in conditions of any illumination.

The universal power supply allows to connect the monitor to a network worldwide. The device is developed in view of mobile use that has caused its low weight and an possibility of installation on robotized pan-and-tilt heads.

Basic advantages OCU15FDP (ultra):

• Wide corner of a field of vision;
• High contrast;
• Low weight;
• Absence of blinking.

Device OCU17FDP (ultra) also represents itself as the prompter on the basis of the LCD-monitor of the increased luminance. The size of the monitor is 17“. In this prompter the size, contrast and luminance that without effort allows to an announcer to read even long enough fragments of the text are well combined. In view of a strong, reliable design and weight is lower, than at 15” CRT-analogue, this prompter is good variant of studio modernization.

Basic advantages OCU17FDP (ultra):

• High contrast;
• Control of luminance;
• Durability and lightness.

Mini prompter OCU6.4" is based on the 6.4" color monitor of the increased luminance. It is the smallest prompter in the Autocue line. It well approaches for use together with compact cameras, on devices such as Steadicam and on camera cranes. For fastening on handles of cameras the screw clamps are provided, and for the mounting on other equipment there is a wide assortment of fixing elements.

CRT based teleprompters

In assortment of teleprompters Autocue on the basis of a CRT to the first in a row there is 15" on-camera prompter OCU15ST. It is also biggest of CRT-prompters Autocue. This device is provided by high contrast and resolution and is developed for wide range of application. The design of the prompter is durable and convenient. The complete set includes a tube, unit of fastening and telescopic guides which can be adjusted on length.

Prompter OCU12ST has the 12" screen and is provided by high contrast and resolution. It easily fastens to the camera and is delivered with a tube, unit of fastening and telescopic guides adjustable on length.

To the most compact in the line of CRT-prompters Autocue is OCU9, created on the basis of the 9" monitor. It has a durable and light construction and in due time was the most sold on-camera teleprompter Autocue. This device is provided by the top fastening of the monitor (above the lens axis) and delivers in the complete with a tube, the glass screen and a universal adjusting platform.

Prompting systems for conferences

Systems of the electronic prompting for conferences today are an integral part of the majority of the television shows spent for the big halls, on platforms and scenes, say, there where the presenters addresses to an audience with monologue. Spectators, as a rule, do not see electronic prompters and consider that film and show stars know all long texts by heart. If this illusion takes place, means, prompters for conferences well cope with the task. In assortment Autocue there is a lot of such products.

Confmon17 system

First of all, there are the Confmon17 system and the Confmon15FDP system.

Confmon17 is equipped with inputs and outputs of video and power supply, a telescopic bar adjustable on length on which top end the glass screen fastens. The length of a video cable may achieve 25 m, and power cable — 8 m.

Confmon15FDP is provided by remote control by means of the IR RC. This system has only inputs of video (composite and additional VGA) and a power supply, in other its construction is similar with Confmon17.

Also for conferences the company produces normal and robotized racks which on height correspond to the systems described above, but without the monitor. Basically as a picture source for them it is quite possible to use notebook with the screen of the increased luminance.

The normal rack by Confstand model is manually adjustable by height and its weight only is 2.2 kg. Robotized racks ConfstandRobotic is three-section telescopic system which is mounted on a floor inside a tribune or decorative “masking” as colors or something another. Height of the rack is adjusted by means of a remote control panel or by means of the codes introduced into the text by its preparation in program WinCuePro.

QTV equipment

Besides products and the systems which are produced under Autocue mark, the company makes the equipment which carries the QTV mark as this firm is the division of Autocue.

Teleprompter FDP-7 provides studio quality without dependence from a place of its application — in pavilion or on the field. This LCD prompter is developed for application together with light compact cameras. This device can be fixed on a tripod, Steadicam or to work from a shoulder. The compact LCD monitor provides the same quality, as well as its larger colleagues in QTV line. Even in conditions of good luminance the text on the prompter is bright, clear and easily readable. Actually, this prompter was created in reply to necessity of such device for TV journalism.

Prompter FDP-12 provides high picture quality and is provided by universality of application. On the sizes it approaches for studio application, and low weight allows to use it in the field conditions, for example in structure of the OB production track or even of the film crew. Besides it is well protected from influence of an environment.

FDP-12 is produced in two versions: the standard and increased luminance. It is specially developed in view of mounting on robotized pedestals. The prompter is provided by completely digital realization, low power consumption and absence of geometrical distortions under text display.

Models EFP-15 HB and FDP-15 HB practically do not differ from each other. There are only insignificant differences in design elements which have an effect only for weight of the device. In these prompters use the LCD monitor with the active thin-film matrix providing high quality of display not only the text, but also video, and with high luminance, contrast and resolution in any conditions of illumination.

For a supply of the prompter the universal block serves, allowing to apply FDP-15 worldwide. Version EFP differs in the reduced weight and is suitable for mobile use and mounting on robotized pan-and-tilt heads. These prompters are characterized by the big angle of a field of vision, high contrast and convenient readability of the text, as well as absence of the picture flicking effect. These prompters allow to attach the additional monitor for presenter on which it is possible to see that is broadcast on air, receiving from an external source, etc.

FDP-17 successfully combines the compact size with high contrast and luminance. It easily allows to presenter to read even long enough texts.

FDP-7 teleprompter	FDP-15 HB model	FDP-17

The durable construction and low weight allow to use this teleprompter for the decision of practically any television task. This prompter is lighter, than similar 15" prompter on the basis of a CRT. It is provided by the luminance control.

The smallest of QTV teleprompters on the CRT basis is MVP-9. It is intended for use with small cameras and in studios with the limited space. On the functionality it does not concede to “senior” QTV models, but in a compact configuration may work both from a network, and from a power source by voltage 12 V.

This prompter it is possible to use with portable cameras and the light camera equipment not only on direct assignment, but also as on-camera display.

The following in a line of CRT-prompters is MVP-12. The viewing field of this prompter on 27 % is more, than of MVP-9. It also allows to carry out a horizontal and vertical reverser of the image.

And at last a line of prompters on the CRT basis the 15 On Cam model is closed. This prompter is widespread (distributed) enough. It is intended for work practically with any cameras. The CRT with white phosphorus coating provides high picture quality. Besides the tube coating has a small reflectivity. The 15 On Cam is optimized for the text display.

MVP-9 teleprompter	MVP-12 teleprompter	15 On Cam teleprompter

Material is presented by Autocue Company