BUYERS’ GUIDE
AUTOCUE EXPLORER 17IN
DESVIEW T12 £179/$139 desview.com
MAGIC VIDEO BOX £1100/$TBC magicvideobox.co.uk A down-the-lens interview system, the Magic Video Box kit comes in a fitted flight case with everything you need. The kit is also available to rent, with the company offering training on how to use the kit and get the best out of it. The Magic Video Box comes with a riser plate that fits between the camera and tripod. Though designed for larger cameras, the riser can be set up for smaller cameras using a wrench included in the kit. This riser plate features slots for two standard 15mm rods, which are also included. These are quickly snugged down with clamps and protrude out of the front of the camera. A large square plate fastens to the rods, supporting the box unit on top. The included black cloth attaches with Velcro to create a light seal between the lens and the box. Inside the big box unit, a 45° beamsplitter mirror enables you to shoot right through it with no degradation on image quality. If the box is positioned with the mirror set vertically, the interviewer sits at 90° to the camera. This set- up allows the interviewee to look directly into the lens while seeing a reflection of the interviewer – and vice versa.
£2399/$2797 autocue.com
Autocue offers an enormous range, including pricey systems for multiple operators who can adjust the text even as it rolls. A more affordable and portable option is the 17-inch Explorer – large enough to be readable in most spaces up to around 6m/20ft away. A 19-inch version is also available at £300/$250 more. The Explorer series features tool- free assembly and quick adjustments. Its mounting kit fits camcorders, cine cameras and mirrorless models with most lenses. The unit includes HDMI, VGA and composite inputs, plus an HDMI cable for laptop connection. The 400-nit screen has a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 1280x1024 resolution. It can be powered by mains or 12v DC. Mounted beneath the monitor, the prompter is easier to balance on a tripod. Fix the camera to the carriage and adjust the base to lens height (51-140cm/2-5.5in). The carriage moves along 19mm rods to balance larger cameras. A medium-sized hood with a collapsible fabric lens seal stops light from peeking through the 70/30 beamsplitter glass. The kit comes with a one-year license for Autocue’s Explorer Teleprompting Software, costing £227/$224 per year afterwards.
Desview pioneered affordable teleprompters with the T3 model, compatible with smartphones and tablets up to 11 inches. The upgraded T12 retains the same technology and collapsible, lightweight design. All Desview versions have a semi- translucent mirror set at 45° in front of the lens, reflecting text from a tablet clamped below the screen. To use a phone or tablet as a teleprompter screen, download the free Bestview app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can create a new project from a Word document, email or text. While it’s possible to type text directly into the app, importing from a document is easier. The app allows you to adjust text size, font and scrolling speed. You can also set the screen to mirror mode to avoid backward text display. The kit also comes with a Bluetooth remote control for convenient operation. The new T12 model includes a tripod mounting plate, as well as a removable sunshade that fastens on with hook-and-loop material. While the older models used to fasten to the lens filter thread, the T12 unit is tripod-mounted, featuring a gaiter that wraps around the lens to block out light.
Pros: Yes, it’s a genuine Autocue! Cons: Software costs extra
Pros: Very simple and affordable Cons: Have to use your own tablet
Pros: Works very well Cons: Setting up takes time
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PROMOVIEMAKER.NET
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