The Elgato Prompter is Practically Perfect

Teleprompters are awesome tools, but up until now they’ve also usually been complex nightmares to deal with. The Elgato Prompter solves all of these problems at an affordable price by combining a built in display, tons of camera compatibility, simple setup, and great software. Aside from using it for scripts and outlines, the Prompter is fantastic to use for things like reference monitoring and video calls. It's totally changed my video production workflow for the better!
•Elgato Prompter:
geni.us/elgatoprompter
•Stream Deck Pedal:
geni.us/pedal (Amazon)
🎬 I edited this video (and all my videos) with Final Cut Pro. If you want to learn how I edit, check out my online course: learnfinalcutpro.com
🎙️And if you're interested in podcasting, I've also got a DIY podcast production course: podcasterplaybook.com
⏱️Chapter Markers:
0:00 - What Prompted Me to Make This Video
0:54 - Why Would You Need a Prompter?
3:07 - What About Other Prompters?
4:22 - Mounting Cameras to the Elgato Prompter
6:29 - The Prompter’s Display
8:12 - Prompter Setup
9:19 - The Software (How Everything Comes Together)
10:17 - How I’ve Been Using the Prompter With My Setup
11:09 - Controlling the Prompter With the Stream Deck Pedal
12:36 - Areas for Improvement
15:36 - Final Thoughts
-----------------------
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It's my goal for each video to be interesting/helpful/atleastmildlyentertaining, but I'm an enthusiast and not an expert. You can take a look at my About page to know more about my background, both personally and professionally: himynameistom.com/about
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-----------------------
Episode 382: The Elgato Prompter is Perfect

[@tombuck]

Since this was a super common question, I made a followup video showing how to use the Elgato Prompter with phones, webcams, actions cameras, and more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZLFhmOKhtWAf80

[@mohakhu]

I know this is not an advertisement, but believe me, if Elgato tried to make a million videos explaining this device in your fun way, they would not be able to. They are lucky with this free ad.😂

[@tombuck]

They can retroactively send a bag with a dollar sign on it 😁

[@IndiaDelgado]

⁠@@tombuckI support them retroactively sending you a 💰 lol. 😅

[@joeglennaz]

Hello from Phoenix Arizona laying in bed at four in the morning. I came across this video because I have an all gone to stream deck. It’s still in the box after a year I need to break it out and get it going because I do zoom calls for work. I work from home and I’m on zoom most of the day, anyway I stumbled across your about you page and wow you’ve done a lot. Congratulations anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for all the time and effort and work you put into those high school kids. I look forward to some of your additional videos are going back and watching your old videos. Thank you.

[@realchipgriffin]

I have had the Prompter for a few weeks now and love it. I use it every day for all of my video calls and agree with you that it makes it so much more comfortable and enjoyable.

[@tombuck]

I went from disliking video calls to enjoying them! I didn't realize that was the missing ingredient.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much as always Tom. I love the fact that it can act as a monitor and prompter at the same time. That is brilliant. I really want to get my hands on this. I have been using the brilliant Parrot teleprompter from the start - and it’s the only piece of equipment from when I started that I still use - but this looks like a must have. I also love the fact that it can be integrated with the Elgato pedal.

[@tombuck]

The pedal integration is so handy (er...footy?). I backed the new Parrot prompter in kickstarter, so I think that should get here sometime soon? I think the Elgato offers a heck of a lot more, but I'm interested to see if I can rig the Parrot up for an "on the go" setup.

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

You're prompting me to pick this up this practically perfect product!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I don't know who you are, or why the KZbins decided to show me your video, but I'm glad for both of you. I've been putting off getting a prompter for 3 years, but you just convinced me that I should get this - just ordered!

[@jamesnixon1369]

Looks great, we use a prompter a lot in our video productions but this seems like a good solution for the smaller video shoots

[@ElbowsTight]

I love my Elgato Prompter. As a podcaster it helps so much with my ad reads and conversations with my guests. Before getting it, I used a different prompter/monitor setup and it was nightmare to setup. It has 3 separate cables and it was a big hurdle for motivation. Now with one cable for everything and the app is great! Okay...I'll stop talking about how much I love it now...

[@tombuck]

That's exactly how I feel! Once I had my old prompter up and running I always appreciated it, but it was such a clunky mess to deal with that I hardly ever actually used it. I really wish I would've had this when I was teaching online during the first year or so of the pandemic.

[@cmchicago]

Great package! Based on your review, I am buying an Elgato Prompter. As an owner and user of an old prompter from Prompter People, I found your review of the Elgato Prompter believable, credible and helpful … and even funny. More important, your Tom Buck tech reviews are always helpful. And your penchant for puns is wonderful (or maybe even fun-derful).

[@CoffeeTalkandTechJohnRyan]

The software and what you showed using the pedal with it sells it for me. Thanks Tom.

[@tombuck]

It's so fun! I literally just got finished filming another video with it, and it's insane the amount of time it saves.

[@Maneetpaul]

Just signed up for the waitlist. This seems like it will be game-changing. Can't wait to get my hands on one! Great video, Tom 👏🏽

[@tombuck]

Hopefully they can get them shipped out sooner than the waitlist shows! It'll definitely be a huge help in your setup.

[@calihawk82]

I ordered two months ago said Dec 14 delivery. Yesterday got email saying April delivery now. So pissed!

[@PaulFeinberg]

I love the simplicity of this product and the built-in stream very clever idea. Great video as always, Tom! #loveyourcreators

[@tombuck]

Thank Paul! They really did smooth out so many pain points in the typical prompter workflow.

[@dbeach4044]

By far the best overview of the Elgato Prompter on KZbin. Mine is en route, and I consider myself well prepared for its arrival.

[@tombuck]

So glad to hear it! Hope you enjoy your prompter a ton!

[@chadpennycuff]

Awesome job as always Tom.

[@tomwatson283]

Excellent video. Lookin forward to getting hold of one of these. Long overdue product.

[@RealMattCook]

Thanks Tom. I always love your videos. In this case you saved me around $1000 because I am going to buy the Elgato instead of the expensive solution I had arrived at. I’ve always loved Elgato’s attention to details and software and never knew about this possibility. Until your video.

[@profoundpro]

Watching this because I just got notice mine us one the way. And I have their pedal so I'll be using it just like you. Great video!

[@christophrumpel]

Again a fantastic review. I've also using it for a month and really love it. Such a game-changer and affordable 🙌

[@tombuck]

It really is!

[@AudioHotline]

I CAN’T WAIT FOR MINE TO ARRIVE!!!! This video made me even more excited for it!

[@tombuck]

I'm not exaggerating when I say it gives me the same excitement as the ATEM did. Definitely a game changer!

[@JoseFigarella]

Great stuff like always, Tom! Thank you.

[@tombuck]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wordsofjames]

Your Dad Joke/Segway is great. The Dad Joke wordplay is awesome. My 9 year old son loves doing that since he as about 3. He loves it when I do it too. So, listening to you always reminds me of my daily interactions with him and it brightens my day. It is appreciated. Thank you for your style and your in-depth reviews and use cases for all the gear.

[@tombuck]

This is the nicest thing to hear! I'm so glad my goofy jokes can bring up some nice memories 🙏

[@wordsofjames]

@@tombuck Dad Jokes and corny wordplay for life my brother :)

[@wordsofjames]

@@tombuck honestly it helps me work because I miss hanging out with my sons when I am working so it helps

[@FharishAhmedPortfolio]

oOoOOhhh! I was eyeing this the other day! Thank you for the review!

[@GuilDormeus]

Seeing you control the prompter with the pedal blew my mind 🤯. Great video. My setup is slowly being infiltrated by Elgato and I love it.

[@tombuck]

Me too! I didn't realize how much Elgato stuff I have until now. It's just right at that sweet spot of price/simplicity/function.

[@BetterHumanz]

That blew my mind also I need to get that setup I have been using my old google pixel phone as the text screen on an old prompter, and the one issue I have is not being able to scroll up or down or pause.. that pedal looks like the key.. can you just use the pedal and the prompter or do you need the stream deck aswell? @@tombuck

[@tombuck]

@@BetterHumanz The Pedal is basically a 3 button Stream Deck, so you don't need anything else 👍

[@BetterHumanz]

Wicked mate your responce speed shows your quality. BTW have to admit I have been on your tail for a while and learnt some nifty tricks from your content.. rock on!@@tombuck

[@sarasoueidan]

Hands down the best review of the promoter on the internet. Thank you!

[@tombuck]

Wow thank you!!

[@TomPolifka]

Always amazing reviews and love your humor, plus you have a solid first name 😉

[@TheCoolFactor]

It is such a game changer for me. As a non-native speaker I tend to talk too much even with scripted bullet points (and I get distracted thinking what to say) and using a cheap prompter for a smartphone is adding too much friction. This is solving so many friction points for me you have no idea.

[@tombuck]

Yes, friction! That's exactly the word to use.

[@FinanciallFreed0m]

Does your camera show dust at all or streaks from the screen?

[@davidgramling4136]

Sold. Thanks Tom!

[@evanthecameraman]

Made my own XL version with a 15.6" second-monitor screen, a teleprompter large enough to cover up to 16" screens and some basic and minimal 3D printed items to bring it all together. It's big, bright and beautiful!

[@patriciaort9172]

Hi! I just found your channel and subscribed. I had set up a home studio but had to take a break and am just coming back to it. This was very helpful. Also, I love the colors you have going on, on your set. Looks great 😄

[@DKTD23]

Well said Tom, I also noticed the haze effect as well and went black background. I also took it a step further and made my Windows theme darker tones, along with using Dark Mode in Teams, etc.

[@tombuck]

Smart move! It's really just one of those unavoidable things that happens when using a prompter.

[@JimBarnes05]

Whoa. The shot at 1:25 was trippy since Tom just said he only had one prompter. Cleaver shot!

[@tombuck]

Haha, I REALLY like how that turned out!

[@Mohajerhub]

Hey Tom, just wanted to say thank you for making this high-quality content! I was interested in buying a few products to add to my video recording setup and every time and I ended up to your good videos! I'm a content creator myself and I know how hard it is to keep high quality all the time. Thanks again and appreciate your time!

[@tombuck]

This really means a lot to hear, thank you! It’s awesome to know the channel has been helpful. 🙏

[@BrilliantBatgirl]

This is great information! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@tombuck]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PatrickRambles]

Great overview, Tom! I love it too :) The only thing missing for me is voice tracking. I’m using PromptSmart which follows your voice, meaning you don’t need to control the text on the prompter and you can talk as fast or slow as you want , it just follows your lead. I wish the software on the Elgato would do that too. Other than that it really does solve a TON of problems

[@technovangelist]

I really enjoy using speakflow for this. I gave up on PromptSmart because it often stopped working

[@tombuck]

It’d be cool if they added that in a future update! Elgato is usually pretty “cutting edge” so I wouldn’t be surprised if they do.

[@davetriesthis]

I also use promptsmart and love the voice tracking. Probably less necessary with the foot pedals, but since I can already do voice tracking with my existing gear, I'm going to just keep doing that. (Mostly because this isn't available.)

[@monikamikoajczak7927]

Hi, are you usung this prompter from Elgato but with different software - PromptSmar, Am I right? ;)

[@monikamikoajczak7927]

@@davetriesthis Hi, are you usung this prompter from Elgato but with different software - PromptSmar, Am I right? ;)

[@VELVET462]

Since it came out in my wishlist. Going to buy it soon.

[@daggerman-dcgk]

Very nice review - thank you!

[@tombuck]

Glad it was helpful!

[@OutrospectiveOfficial]

Excellent review!

[@erikdeleon]

this is interesting.. thanks for posting about it

[@FotografMariaEkblad]

This seems amazing. Looking forward to when this gets in store here in Sweden! 🤩

[@tombuck]

Totally worth it! Can't say how much I enjoy mine.

[@abennett]

Your videos are the best, Tom.

[@jlnunley24]

your content never disappoints sir

[@tombuck]

Thank you!

[@lewdubspersonalbest9070]

First time viewer. I really appreciate the wordplay stuff. "I con't think of any cons." And "A feat of prompting technology," were my highlights.

[@tombuck]

Thank you! A lot of people...don't like that 😁 (But my brain just works this way and I can't stop it.)

[@TommyIdaho]

Best review ever!

[@AlexGTech]

Great review Tom! Overall been enjoying it too, but definitely could do with better software. Sometimes my Mac (M1 Max MBP) won’t see it as a display but hoping some of these minor things get fixed with updates.

[@tombuck]

They seem like hopefully easy improvements…and it’s still SO much better than everything else!

[@YourDigitalMakeover]

Another awesome video. I have never had any luck with teleprompters in the past. But this looks interesting.

[@tombuck]

This is the first time one has actually REDUCED friction instead of introducing more 😁

[@ELJefeReviews]

It looks awesome Tom! I was so excited to get mine. Then my delivery date in December got pushed back to March/April 2024 so I ended up cancelling.🙃

[@tombuck]

It seems like their shipping dates are all over the place, so honestly I would just hold a place in line and hope for the best. Mine was supposed to be January 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jonathandavis9554]

Great video! I spend too long setting up a smallrig teleprompter yesterday, and was not happy with the results at all. Sending it back, and will wait patiently for this to be back in stock.

[@tombuck]

I loved my old prompter, but yeah, the setup was a pain and I never used it. It's really wild how much more efficient a prompter can make things. I normally have 40-60 minutes of raw footage for talking head portions of videos, and since using this I've been able to get it under 20 sometimes 🤯

[@jonathandavis9554]

@@tombuck Wow. That is a huge difference! Between editing via text and improvements in delivery with a teleprompter, creating content is getting a lot easier!

[@PeteBreen]

Thanks Tom - looks like a backorder until March at this point, but this is definitely on my 'toy' list for 2024. This looks unreal - I love the script-over-video capability.

[@tombuck]

Mine originally said December but got here in October, so hopefully they’re just being conservative with sipping times 🤞

[@elgato]

Awesome showcase, we appreciate all the feedback (and love the puns 👏)

[@tombuck]

Thank you! This thing has been amazing. I used it on a client project this morning that normally would've resulted in about 40 minutes of raw footage, and ended up with less than 15! Such a game changer. 💪

[@padraigtreanor]

@elgato does this work if the camera is vertical, like shooting for REELS/TIKTOK?? Just wondering if you'd get any of the hood or screen in the shot.

[@hainesnoids]

I got the elgato prompter as soon as a learned about it, about 7 days after the announcement. It only arrived this monday, giving me a ton of time to figure out what to do with it. I actually use it for my school's news program. In addition: It also works with ChromeOS, but only as an external display.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

Great video! I really enjoyed it and learned about a new product. One thing that would have been helpful is if you mentioned the lens compatibility. It would be nice to know the field of view or widest angle lens before any vignetting occurs or we see the edges. Just a small suggestion!

[@tombuck]

I definitely should've mentioned that! My 24mm lens works great, but anything wider than that on a full frame camera will start to show the prompter frame.

[@JodyFisher]

Always love your videos. I ordered a Prompter bundle for $600 and it's backordered more than FOUR MONTHS. @Elgato took my money, tho. SO sleazy.

[@tombuck]

It’s definitely a bummer but I’ve never known Elgato to do anything sleazy. I think demand and manufacturing are difficult to manage.

[@duanelrussell]

Mines coming NEXT WEEK😭 I got the foot pedal already, can’t wait to set it up!

[@tombuck]

Woo hoo! I’m sure you’ll really love it!

[@coachkevinwillis]

Brilliant review… still waiting on my pre-order… in the meantime, can I ask where you got the amazing desk pad.. love the colors and patterns… thx

[@SpanglishTrades]

Wow Amazing Review

[@AdrianSalisbury]

Should be finally getting mine in a few days Tom. They have been really slow shipping to the uk 🙁

[@tombuck]

You'll love it! Especially with the Stream Deck Pedal. And great workshop this week! (I was sneaking some peaks while Heather was watching 😁 )

[@AdrianSalisbury]

@@tombuck I’m not tbh 😬 Think I’ll be sticking to my iPad teleprompter.

[@AdrianSalisbury]

@@tombuck haha, just read the rest of your comment. Glad you liked it 🥰

[@tombuck]

It looks like the Prompter is showing as backordered, but it IS worth the wait! I have no idea how Elgato's shipping works, but when I ordered mine at release it said it would arrive in December or January, and it got here in October. I think it's worth holding a spot in line if you want one of your own and then maybe the shipping dates will be moved up! 🤞

[@beardsandbanjos]

I ordered in October and said it would arrive the first week of December. It now says it's arriving in March. I'm super frustrated.

[@Kevinmarra]

I am in the same boat @beardandbanjos. I want this thing yesterday!

[@elitebeatagent8993]

Now the site is saying preorder now and get yours by March WOW!😢

[@carolinaattorneys]

How does on "pre-order?" All I can seem to figure out is how to get notified when it comes back into stock. Am I missing something? @@elitebeatagent8993

[@frankpaulschulte]

I ordered in November (when I heard Tom „drooling over it“ in his podcast ;)) and they took the order, said it would come in december, them changed it to march, now it says may to august, last I proactively checked. Changing the date is bad enough but might have reasons - but NOT informing the buyer is really bad business behavior and endangers the brand…

[@Knolraab]

The level of pun in this video is on point👌

[@jmelapette6194]

Hi Tom ! As usual, great video ! Thanks Question : is there vigneting with a 16 mm ?

[@mojophonic]

I knew going in the Dad puns would embrace "prompt" and "promptly"... and you did not disappoint ;) I really should get one of these (although ElGato says out of stock). I do tons of Teams calls and agree that it's easy to feel disconnected without eye contact. Thx!

[@itsthehumor95]

Loool he couldn't event help himself

[@tombuck]

I can’t be helped. 😬

[@mattdayphoto]

This is the first time I've ever actually thought a prompter could be useful for me. If they were in stock right now, it would probably be an impulse buy.

[@tombuck]

It’s made such a huge difference for me- can’t go without it now!

[@scottmckenna]

I’m so tired of seeing videos for awesome products that I want to buy and going to the online stores and seeing it never available. I need this. I wish someone had it in stock.

[@luisp.alonso]

Great review! I was just in the market for a teleprompter and this one is perfect for what I want to do. The only problem it seems to be sold out everywhere :(

[@tombuck]

Shipping times always fluctuate- I would just get on a list and hope for the best to be honest!

[@chiefpinero6192]

I see the infamous DLZ Creator back there 😂. After NASA assisted me with setup, I have to say, I absolutely love it! Also, your review on the prompter came in right on time. I've been using my tablet (with app) as a prompter.

[@tombuck]

The DLZ is great! Very curious about its future now that Rode own Mackie though.

[@Yusaku_VCP]

practically perfect for actress/actor host for their show, that was a big version for television but good thing finally release a small for creative youtubers.

[@rinleeds]

Great video. Have you made a video or got any recommendation of something to watch on youtube which teaches a novice like me the basic skills required for using teleprompters as you mention?

[@lamarthomas1127]

Just got mine yesterday (12/16/2023). Two things that would be nice 1. An on/off switch on the front of the unit. You always have to unplug the USB cable just to turn it off. 2. The ability to set paragraph colors independent of each other for better visual separation.

[@tombuck]

I'm really hoping they add in a lot of text/script editing features for sure.

[@PiecesofVinyl]

This thing is pretty sick - I currently use a laptop to iPad with software that flips the image - basically this - but this is much more compact, on cable and its smaller then the glide cam. That pedal is pretty is awesome too. I have found that the software of teleprompters is the biggest issue and they seem to have to taken into account.

[@tombuck]

The software is always a HUGE stumbling block. Even the expensive prompters I've used in the past at different jobs have had awful, unreliable software. I have no idea why.

[@adamesq]

What software are you using now? I've been playing with Better Display to flip the iPad image with any text editor...and with just the free HTML solution (telepromptermirror) + sidecar. What I don't like with either is the mouse also flipping.

[@elliekusa65]

Added this to my wishlist. I love your multi-colored desk pad. Is it available to buy?

[@tombuck]

The brand is GDBT on Amazon, but I don't know if they have this specific pattern any more.

[@markamarkam]

Great overview! I have a big old caddy buddy teleprompter I used for business video tutorials, but the glass created such a noticeably darker image that it was just easier for me to fold the monitor glass down and use it as a base to support my phone that scrolled the script/outline, rather than fix it in post. (Defeated the purpose of having the prompter to begin with). The difference with this glass seems a lot less noticeable. Just wondering if you white balance your camera with the prompter in place or not.

[@PedroSPereira]

I really like your video! Using teleprompter have been game-changer for me. I bought the ILOKNZI 18 inch Wide Angle Large Teleprompter Plus. It’s perfect, but I have to connect it with my large iPad. By the way, what lens do you use for this video ? Thx

[@Torranium]

13:57 "It makes the things slightly darker." This is a consequenz of physics. Because it is a semi-transparent Mirror. And the mirror reflects the light, which then can not reach the cam. Now there less light reaches the cam, so its darker.

[@dannygregory3465]

@tom. Awesome review. One note: I use the prompt-smart iOS app which automatically advances my script as I speak. No need to manually advance the scroll, it just hears me and advances. It also lets me record right to my phone if I am out of the studio. I use it in conjunction with a parrot promoter and my phone. It’s a decent setup but far smaller and more cramped than what you have shown us from elgato. I think there’s a web based version of prompt smart sos it could work with the elgato. Might be worth a look.

[@tombuck]

Nice! I did back the Parrot Pro last summer which I think should be shipping sometime soon? It was before I knew about the Elgato one so I’m a little less excited for the Parrot now, but it could be fun to figure out an “on the go” prompter setup.

[@SketchBookSkool]

The real game changer is the Prompt Smart app. I think there's a desktop version too which could work with eth Envato to give you automatic advancing of your script/notes@@tombuck

[@donbullock-techihound]

This was very helpful Tom. I’m currently using the Easy Glide with my Canon DSLR and an iPad mini. That system is working well for me but I have wires going everywhere so that I can monitor my camera and download the video from the camera. It also makes it more difficult to use the camera for other things. This teleprompter might help with some of that. The light weight is fantastic. My biggest issue is that the teleprompter software I’m using follows my voice. I love that feature because I read my scripts. It looks like the El Gato software doesn’t support anything like that. If El Gato could add this feature that would make this teleprompter perfect for my needs. Your idea of using the foot pedal is great. I really like the way you have that set up. It might make this teleprompter a better choice for me. Now I need to figure out how to buy one along with a foot pedal. Your videos are outstanding but expensive. 😃

[@tombuck]

So far there's no voice control for the Elgato software. I was using an app with my old prompter that did that and it worked surprisingly well. I'd love to see something like that implemented in a future update!

[@markburke2414]

Thanks, Tom. Another great review. I looks like pre-ordering is turned off now and replaced with signing up for a back in stock message.

[@tombuck]

Yeah I just saw that- demand must be crazy high!

[@HalStaniloff]

I can't wait to get mine! I placed my order on 10/22/23 and the website is saying "This item is currently on backorder but is expected to ship 04/04/2024-04/07/2024." I'm not happy that I have to wait all this time for this product.

[@tombuck]

I think I ordered not long before that and it originally said January, so you never know!

[@chrisk.6246]

Amazing!

[@rickysguitar]

Ordered one aaaaages ago. STILL waiting for it

[@BA-xx5en]

Hi, Tom, fantastic review as always. Question: I would be using it with a laptop. I'm not clear on if I need to buy a tripod even to sit on my desk for this and also if it will work with my Logitech webcam that sits atop the laptop monitor now or if it only works with a camera or camcorder. You didn't display those scenarios. Thanks

[@Duffmedia]

Great review thank you. I found the glare to be a big problem. I like to have my scripts in Google doc. So it’s really bright on a white background. And if I’m doing a loom video where I’m doing a walkthrough. Again the white background gives a pretty harsh glare. And I get a clear white line going across my chest. Amazing promoter all around. It I’ll need to figure out this glare issue.

[@tombuck]

The glare can be tricky (but that's the case with most prompters). Turning the brightness down and using dark mode for the Google Doc can be helpful. I've found Elgato's Camera Hub script feature works well since it's easy to have a black background, but it's still pretty limited in terms of adding/editing scripts (especially if you want more than one at a time).

[@cerl981]

Get the chrome extension 'Dark Reader'. Turn anything into dark mode 😎

[@philipweiner1248]

i did get a used ipad 6 for 150€ an clamp and a free prompter app which works for me really nice it´s just not directly in the center but if your not doing a professional shot its not that bad i think.

[@sferro21]

That’s interesting! Can you fold it somehow or not really? Does it have a remote that I can use to control the script (play/pause/scroll)? :) Thanks for the video!

[@topicruben]

haha, lens me tell you..., That's a good one, lol. That prompter looks very interesting. Thanks, Tom! Great video as always

[@tombuck]

Thanks so much! It really has been a game changer overall for me.

[@jazzguitarwithandy]

Great review Tom. Think I'm sold on it for making videos but also wondering if I could I use it to display a PDF to follow a piece of music?

[@tombuck]

Absolutely! It's basically just a second display for your computer, so you can drag whatever you'd like to it. 👍

[@jazzguitarwithandy]

@@tombuck thanks for replying. This is game changing.

[@LaloLSSalcedo]

Sounds like a sponsored ad and its not even available until March and you got yours months ago, nice! I can already see elgato sharing this video in their promo lol

[@tombuck]

I just ordered it when it was announced 🤷🏻‍♂️ Originally it said January release, then a December delivery, then it showed up in October. It's probably not wise to count on shipping estimates changing, but if they know there's a huge demand, it wouldn't surprise me if they bump up manufacturing to try and get more out ASAP.

[@waynewrz]

Great vid Tom. Thanks for being a Kraken fan!

[@tombuck]

I love 'em no matter what! 😁

[@GSAirTherapy]

Solid review, as always. Thanks, Tom. Question, though: How portable is the unit? Not that many people would move a device that is meant to be stationary, yet I wonder whether it can be folded up for storage or easy portability?

[@tombuck]

It doesn’t fold, but it is quite small

[@JimBarnes05]

That was my one negative thought about the prompter. Overall, it looks way better than any other options out there - especially with the monitor that auto mirrors the image!

[@rayf3244]

Hello. Thanks for bringing this to light. Does the prompter attachment fit on the lens if I already have variable ND filters on (like the Nisi tru color)

[@BlackravenarmouryUk]

Hey Tom, great video … I got this a few weeks ago and it’s a game changer but can I ask… what mic setup are you using for this video ??? Love the sound and tone

[@tombuck]

Thank you! It's my Sennheiser MKH50 boomed just out of frame, and then I add a slight bit of Voice Isolation in Final Cut Pro (15%). 👍

[@BlackravenarmouryUk]

Fantastic, much appreciated

[@HomesickMac]

Oh, I'll buy it, if for nothing else then for the livestreaming and ZOOM calls. I'd still love a larger version although I get your point regarding the reading and flying sideways with the eyes. But that text could be made as wide as it needs to be, and the rest of the screen will be there to place other stuff on. Dunno…

[@tombuck]

I'm curious if they'll ever do a "Prompter Pro" or something like that. I guess they need to fill all these orders first though 😁

[@NicholasBowling]

Hey Tom, what is the boom arm you have on your tripod at 10:26?

[@tombuck]

It's an iFootage Support Rod. A bit pricey, but very sturdy!

[@heem3991]

Great review Tom, how do I get the viewfinder/teleprompter combo? I can’t figure out how to run both on the prompter, thanks.

[@tombuck]

If you have the prompter set to “Text” mode and then turn down the opacity, it’ll show the regular display behind it. 👍

[@fullsleevetats]

Great review. My biggest question, and one that Elgato is specifically guilty of in the past, is does this require drivers *of any sort* to function? In other words, will this just work when plugged into a Linux laptop or server? Does it _require_ Windows or macOS to function? The offset camera in meetings has always been a problem, since I look at my monitor where the meeting participants/shared content is displayed, not into the camera lens which is off to the side of my main monitors. If it works out of the box with Linux, I'll get one right away. Update: Looks like this requires DisplayLink, so that counts it out. DisplayLink's drivers have been absolute garbage for the better part of 10-15 years, and still continue to hard-lock every machine they've ever been installed on, regardless of processor or machine type. It also looks like you need the Camera Hub software to drive the prompter features, so that's another negative. They really need to get into this decade and start supporting Linux natively with their products. They're missing an enormous creator market by ignoring the millions of Linux users out there.

[@ItsRyukin]

This is (for a good reason) a big dream for me. I really like them very much, Although I don't have one but well I used my laptop screen to look at the reference script for the video, Which is kinda awkward when I look at the screen to the left or right and not the camera. 😅 Or I would rather have a really big phone or an iPad to use as a teleprompter. (And they do have an auto scrolling so I don't have to scroll that myself) They do also used in some big announcements tho. 🙂

[@tombuck]

It's so helpful! I honestly didn't think it'd make as big of a difference as it did, but I was totally wrong.

[@AJCoReTV]

My M1Pro MacBook has so many elgato & other usb devices going into it (via multiport dock), so usb bandwidth is at full capacity… wonder if adding this would work for me.

[@daviday87]

Nice review, as always. I tried my first prompter earlier this year, a Desview with my Canon EOS R and my RF 35mm, which led to troubleshooting almost instantly with the step-up ring & prompter adding pressure onto the lens and making the camera think it needed to constantly re-focus and move until the camera freezes up with a lens obstruction error...Any tips on how to fix that sort of issue? That back plate and foot pedal make this super tempting as an upgrade.

[@daviday87]

@tombuck -- Any ideas about the lens obstruction error perchance?

[@leonardboyer7601]

Hi Tom, Your videos are very instructive and inspirational. I have learned a lot. Can you make a video about connecting the Rhode Caster Pro 2, and the Yolo Box Ultra? I think you could make a really good course on how to make a good studio for both solo and small creators who do not have a team. Is there any type of remote control that can be programmed to operate many of these devices remotely? You are extremely luckily to have a supportive wife, who understands and is supportive of you being a digital entrepreneur. Keep up this excellent work.

[@tombuck]

I don't have the YB Ultra, but I have the Pro and they added a firmware update a while ago that allowed the RCP to be connected via USB. I actually haven't checked if there's been another update since the Ultra's release, but I should definitely do that!

[@schultzeworks]

Excellent review, as always, but one question > how wide of a lens can be used? I do a lot of tabletop demos, so I HAVE to use my 16-35 Sony lens (on my A7-4). At some wider focal lengths, the edge of the teleprompter frame will be visible. My current workaround is cropping in post and shooting in 4K, which I don’t really need.

[@tombuck]

Great question! I should've mentioned- I've been using my 24mm lens on a full frame camera and it's just fine. Much wider than that would likely start to show the edges of the frame.

[@Poesghost]

I want one however Elgato has left a really bad taste in my mouth, recently too. I bought four key lights from Best Buy. Took about a week. Got them home and started to open the boxes and set them up. I have two streaming setups. On the second setup I had to remove everything off my desk so I could move it away from the wall and mount the key lights to the desk. Got both mounts connected and started to attach the lights. One was fine, nothing broken and got it setup fine. The second one however had part of the wing nut broken, the half of it was missing but later found it in the box. I could still fasten and tighten it up with just the one half there still, so I did. Figured I could just take some pictures and send my receipt to Elgato requesting a new wing nut. Sent them an email and eventually heard back from them. We went back and forth until I got an email that included a shipping label. They wanted me to pack up the entire key light and send it back to them. After all the work it took me to attach the mount to my desk I told them all I needed was a replacement wing nut. They refused to send me just that. They knew exactly what was broken too. I told them to just close the ticket and I ended up buying a replacement from their site. It was only $10 that they could have easily replaced. It came that way. Now if I had broke it I would haven't even reached out to them. I'm very dissatisfied with their customer service.