Watch this before buying the Elgato Prompter

Is the Elgato Prompter worth the hype? In this video I give my honest review after a month of usage - looking at the unboxing/setup experience, best features, and - crucially - the MAJOR flaws that need addressing. Should you buy one? Watch on to find out!
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6ft USB C Magtame cable: magtame.com/?ref=hcki1eml (use code KOLYT10 for 10% off)
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Padcaster padcaster.com/products/padcas...
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⌚️TIMESTAMPS
0:00 : Intro
1:48 : Unboxing
2:58 : The good stuff
5:50 : The bad stuff
9:22 : Should you buy one?
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[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I've made a follow-up to this video to go through some of the updates Elgato have made since release. It's good, but it's still not right (for me): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@Absolute8384]

For anyone who is having MacOS software issues getting it to connect, it's a simple fix. Rather than unplugging prompter or constant restarts, it just requires a few steps. Do this if your prompter isn't connecting or showing the script part. 1. Quit Camera Hub. 2: Top bar of the Mac select Display Link (It's the icon with the two squares on top of each other,) and toggle off and on "Elgato promo". 3. Open back up Camera Hub and Viola! It should start working again.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for sharing - nice workaround, worked for me! I maintain that the software is still hot garbage. 😄

[@mattmc20]

Ive had the Elgato since December and it has never once worked on my Macbook Pro M3 Max. I had to get the thunderbolt 4 cable, I've done every youtube video with fixes and NONE of them work, I've contacted Corsair (elgato now on two seperate occassions) and they have yet to be able to get it work. It simply will turn blue with logo when i plug it in, then turn right off. Camera Hub will NEVER show anything is plugged in. I have done EVERYTHING.

[@Absolute8384]

@@mattmc20 I’m sorry to hear that, man. Can I ask how are you plugging in prompter? Are you plugging prompter into a hub/usb dock? Or directly into your MacBook?

[@JamelHardtman]

I'm not seeing display link. Unsure of what two squares you're referring to.

[@MikeBlissett]

Thanks, Mark. Brilliant video. I'm new to your channel and really like your content, delivery and humour - the perfect mix! I'm a Mac user (MBP M1 2021). My Prompter arrived last week, and so far, like you, I am generally impressed, though still seriously struggling with the software. Having followed Elgato's set-up for the Display Link Manager and Camera Hub, I still get warning prompts saying I need to update Settings, which have been done and redone many times! At this stage, I can use the Prompter as a teleprompter, but for calls and webinar delivery, which, as a business trainer, was the reason I bought it, it's unusable. I messaged Elgato support for help a week ago, and so far, no response. Right now, I'm torn between keeping what I think is a brilliant piece of kit or returning it, as it doesn't seem useable for the job I bought it for. The next step is to call Elgato to see if they can help over the phone, as their support tickets don't get answered. Apologies, I'm getting it off my chest, too! Great video! You have a new subscriber. Sending best.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks so much for your message Mike, and no apology necessary - from a fellow business trainer (when I'm not making KZbin videos)!

[@the.kleyko]

Thanks so much for your honesty. Rare that people talk about the bad so directly. Saved me a bunch of frustration.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@terrancew129]

I have a M2 Max Mac and once I got it set up I havent had any issues, the setup was a bit of a learning curve but it works now. I was concerned when I first got it as I didnt read about the software issues until too late but all is well now.

[@depotwest]

Sameher with my Mac Mini M1

[@TedsTech]

Great review, thanks. Was definitely considering this but will hold off for now until the Mac issues are sorted.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. I had such high hopes but they need to sort the Camera Hub app out.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

They have now made some updates which go a long way to making this better. I've covered them at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@GeorgeBartley]

Great review! Very helpful and reasoned.

[@rinleeds]

Thanks for a fab review. So, what app do you use with your old set up for the teleprompting and what is the old equipment that you use. Any amazon links

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It’s all in the description mate. Desview (teleprompter and app).

[@LONDONBRIDGEBRICKS]

Really good review and you’ve got a new subscriber in me 😊 - before I commit to buying this, can it work to scroll the text up and down using the Elgato Stream Deck Pedal? And I hear Elgato have recently come out with a software update, will you cover that? Cheers LBB

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. And yes it’ll scroll with the pedal! As for the update - here are my thoughts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@PhotowalksTV]

Good review. I had the same frustrations with the Prompter--hardware fine, software unusable. I switched to Speakflow, which is a web based program, and works great. On a side note, have you noticed a decline in picture quality, Prompter vs. non-Prompter?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I’ll give that a go- thanks for the tip! I haven’t noticed anything in terms of a decline in picture quality. It’s interesting as I noticed it’s not being read as a separate monitor by my laptop, it’s a software solution to beam a screen over to the Prompter’s display. Might be something to do with what you’ve experienced.

[@AdamMc192]

I was worried if I used this it would ruin my lens? I currently use something like you said you used to (with an ipad). Super heavy and takes ages to set up but does the job. Edit: seems like this wouldn't be suitable, the software issue and not being able to control from the phone is a game changer. Do you think the padcaster would be suitable for holding an ipad air?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Adam. Yes if you need to control this with your phone it’s a no-go at the moment. The software has improved (see my update video from a couple of weeks ago), but still not the best. Padcaster is too small for an iPad Air unfortunately…I’d go with something like a Desview.

[@WobbleMatic]

Just a quick question, are you running this through a dock. Have heard that a direct connection might help some of those connectivity issues.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I tried it with multiple docks, as well as a direct connection with a USB-C-USB-C cable rather than the supplied USBC-USB-A cable. Still completely flakey.

[@DamienTalksMoney]

Great review, the software issues really puts me off.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. I’m trying to persevere. The recent update helps- I covered it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbssi=GtN3yQzoakvYCOMb

[@DamienTalksMoney]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Yeah i watched it, I am a mac user and the connectivity issues is not what i need.

[@theoldvideoguy]

Superb. I recently got the Neewer 12" and downloaded PromptSmart. The voice activation is incredible. I was going to get the Elgato, but it was severely back ordered. Kind of glad I held off. O believe yours is one of the more honest videos. Cheers from over the pond

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks buddy- I’ll look into Promptsmart!

[@ZeumaDesign]

Hello Mark, will the prompter stay stable on the lens if I adjust the focus with a remote control? I have a Canon with a 50 mm lens. Thank you

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi! It's a good question - I can't test it as I usually keep focus set and then leave it on auto for videos. My guess would be that it probably wouldn't be super stable unless you were only making minor focus changes. A possible workaround would be to use it with the backplate/shroud setup rather than the little rings that I show in this video.

[@ZeumaDesign]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thanks for the quick reply. I'll think about it :)

[@peternapoliello2490]

Thanks for the honest review. I returned mine due to the many issues using a Mac.

[@AdrianSanabria]

I've found Macs in general to be a nightmare with studio recording setups where video and multiple monitors come into play. I was constantly having to plug/unplug/reboot to get video devices to work and even to get additional monitors to work correctly. I got a custom-built Intel NUC running Windows, just for content creation and have never had a device or monitor-related issue since. I've been using my iPad with a GlideGear TMP 100 for years now, and it isn't a terrible setup, but the Elgato seems miles better than my current ~7lb/3kg teleprompter setup. I don't really plan on using Elgato's software, I just need the Prompter to show up as a separate monitor. (It's also worth noting that I briefly tried using Linux, but since I also use this setup with meeting software, and it can be a huge challenge on Linux to share apps and screens, I gave up on that pretty quickly).

[@Sadtiric]

Thanks for the warnings! I feel like you could totally make an entire video on alternative solutions. Gonna go look into the Padcaster!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks, maybe I will!

[@WOTBoxTV]

Excellent video, thank you Mark! Really enjoyed your style and delivery coupled with your well balanced opinion(s). Refreshing! As something of an Elgato fanboy myself, I'd agree with your appraisal that, to really get the most out of the Prompter, you'll get more out of it if you also have other products from the Elgato eco system. And yeah, the script software, from loading to use, basically sucks! Negatives aside, it's the first Elgato product that I've said to myself "I NEED this" just on watching the first video review (Senpai gaming's)! No wonder that they're still on back order some 4 or 5 months after launch - demand has far out stripped availability. Subscribed!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate!

[@BillyNawa]

Thanks for your review! Hope I can ask you a question: The teleprompter looks really big, do u know if it can be placed on top of a monitor (I’m using the Logitech Brio 4k webcam on top of the monitor, and I’d like to use this prompter (or another one) on top of the monitor with the webcam. Do you know if this works, or do you have another prompter that’s suitable for that? Thank you! :)

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Billy- no probs buddy. The webcam setup will definitely work with the mounting plate fitted (obvs this is set up for the Elgato webcam but the Logitech one should fit). The Prompter is large but it is light, so it shouldn’t cause any damage to the monitor if you want to rest it up top. I think it’s designed to sit threaded on a mount or desk stand above the monitor so that you can position it properly.

[@AnyArabic]

I agree with you on some points. However, the Elgato prompter remains the top choice compared to others on the market, offering a balance of price and quality. I believe they have addressed many issues in the latest update of the Elgato Camera Hub 1.10.0.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

They have indeed - I made an update over at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@HeyIvan]

Great video! I love your approach. You know, I just got one of these things, too. I was already pretty invested in the iPad teleprompter app I already use. So, I bypassed the Elgato Prompter software altogether. In fact, I made a video about it on my channel. I suspect that your intermittent success with the Prompter software might be the DisplayLink app that has to run on the Mac for the Prompter to be recognized. In my case, I explicitly quit the DisplayLink app and launch it when I want it to run. I do the same with the Camera Hub software. Keep up the great work! New subscriber here.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. I'm going to give this workaround a go.

[@HeyIvan]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Since I wrote this reply, I’ve learned that the Camera Hub app may also need Screen Recording permission. Although, I haven’t yet tested it myself.

[@IreneYoungFoto]

Thank you! Was going to buy, but will search more. I like my little Desview but I need a larger screen for filming poets. You mentioned yours uses a mini iPad. Which model Desview? I thought my only worked with my phone…but maybe I am wrong . I subscribed.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Mine was the 12 inch version. Works with iPads of all sizes (the one in this video is the Mini) and if you’re careful you can balance a phone on there. The challenge I had with larger iPads was that the text becomes so large you can start to see people’s eyes moving. Thanks for subbing 😊

[@IreneYoungFoto]

Wow, that is good info. My problem with the bigger one is that we need to buy other gear just to set it up on the camera....an additional couple hundred dollars. Thanks, Mark. @ThatMarkGilroy

[@SimoneEppler]

I you happen to have the Desview T3, then it is possible to use an iPad mini at least (I read it can take up to a 11 inch screen).

[@WhatIThink45]

Wow, I’ve been thinking about getting the prompter, but you have me spooked about the software issues. Thanks for the heads up.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

They JUST released a new software update (in beta) which has addressed a lot of my issues with the software. I’ll make a follow up soon.

[@WhatIThink45]

@@ThatMarkGilroy , thanks.

[@eplamondon]

Quick question - I'm assuming you don't HAVE to use the Elgato software correct?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That’s correct!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@WhatIThink45 I made an update covering the software issues/new features at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@maehkster]

Hey Mark! Do you use a remote control for speed control? I used a similar cheap prompter in the past like the solution you mentioned in your video. A bluetooth joystick/presenter came with that prompter that was easy to connect with some android teleprompter apps via bluetooth. That cheap remote control can be connected with windows, but I can't reprogram the key signals it sends. So I'm looking for a new remote control now. One that can emulate keyboard keys that camerahub understands. Any recommendations?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi! I used a remote on my previous prompter but not with the Elgato.

[@excelsior814]

Wow, so helpful, thank you!!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimmwagner]

Really good, and entertaining review. Thanks!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Jimm!

[@john_kelley]

I honestly feel that this was designed more for streamers than it would be for content creators just wanting a teleprompter. I love being able to use it on livestreams where I can now look right at people that are in the stream with me through the prompter. I had a few issues setting it up, but since then it's worked great! I've also paired it up with the Elgato pedal, and that's a game-changer for controlling it.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It’s a good assessment. They probably gave it the wrong/misleading name. Looking at the feature set for streamers, this makes much more sense. I think I’m going to need to take a look at the pedal!

[@ludwi970]

Thanks for your honest review. Great.

[@samuelhornafrantzien7590]

Hey! Can I ask what keylight/softbox combo you use? I really like the reflection in your eye! :)

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Samuel. All my gear is over at thatmarkgilroy.com/en-gbp/pages/vlogging (TL;DR, it’s the Godox SL60)

[@ItsCaputo]

Hey there! I have a Mac and use this prompter, and I don't have any connection issues. Regarding the software, I run the Elgato app in display mode (as opposed to teleprompter mode), which extends my Mac display, and then I place my Teleprompter app in that window. I control the teleprompter app with my mouse or even a game controller. It's all pretty seamless. I do agree that the teleprompter portion of the Stream Deck app is garbage, and I don't know why they decided to implement it the way they did.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for letting me know - maybe the downside of me getting in early on the pre-order, I might have received a duff unit. I'll try it in display mode instead and see if it helps.

[@sergiovalencia7877]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Did it help? was it easier to manage the text?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@sergiovalencia7877 So I tried the display mode and then a separate teleprompter Mac app (Teleprompter App) running in that window? Is that what you meant? If so, yes this works SO much better!

[@stefan.tarara]

Sorry for the follow-up question: which third party Teleprompter App do you recommend for Mac? I have the same issues! Love the hardware - the software seems like being in Beta. Or even Alpha… But need just something that works, no bells’n’whistles. But the hardware of this thing is so extremely perfect for my use case, that I don’t want to send it back by any means ☺️

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@stefan.tarara No apology needed. The one I've been using is just called Teleprompter App - it's part of my Setapp subscription. setapp.sjv.io/c/4032246/343321/5114

[@janette99]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Janette. I made an update over at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbssi=sxfnS1vOvWUSZii1

[@TerenceNiselow]

Hi Mark! Thank you for the product review! I have a quick question: I am just getting into the world of content creation, and I am a total newbie in this field! I was wondering what equipment you would recommend to help me create good quality video content without breaking the bank? The phone I have is a Samsung 21e. Looking forward to your reply :)

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi Terence. Thanks for your message! The most important thing to invest in IMO is audio. All the other stuff can wait. The current or previous generation DJI wireless mic is excellent and will connect to your phone to ensure you don't need to be really close to the device to be able to record the audio. Sit in front of a window if you can for natural light and you should be set to be 99% ahead of most people starting out!

[@MensGroomingAdvice]

Thanks, Mark, for such an honest and informative review. Having finally pushed passed 1k subs on my small KZbin channel I want a teleprompter to make my videos more professional and - hopefully - reduce the editing time. I'm torn between going for a cheap Podcaster for my iPhone or spend $460 Australian to get the Elgato. This video was super helpful.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. And congratulations on 1K- you’re now past the point 99% of people don’t get to.

[@misterwhyte]

Watched both this review and your update and I'm glad I did. I was wondering why no one was talking about how it works concretely and I'm guessing that's because they all have the stream deck already. I find pretty unbelievable that for this kind of money, Elgato doesn't throw in a cheap Bluetooth remote to control the prompter. Since I have no other tools from Elgato and no need for any of them, I'll just have to pass on this one. $300 was already a stretch, but having to add other tools to make it work is a big no-no. Too bad, I love the idea of it otherwise.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for watching Francois. And yep, that simple addition of a cheap remote would have made this a no brainer. Capitalism, eh.

[@edferrigancoaching]

Cannot get the Prompter to light up in the software. First install today. Tried switching ports on Mac Creative Suite and restarting computer. Is this what you mean by trouble with software? Open to ideas to get the prompter part to work. Love the 4K60p camera by the way!

[@edferrigancoaching]

had to give permissions to DisplayLink software for it all to work. Now if I can figure out how to start and stop a recording and use the prompter. Also, do you know if I can I save scripts?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. That all sounds familiar. Elgato have a beta software release out which addresses most of the issues I have with the software (including the chapter parsing and saving scripts). I’ll make a follow up soon.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@edferrigancoaching Follow-up out now talking about the script-saving feature: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@classicalperformances8777]

very informative, thanks! isnt the padcaster more difficult to read as only a few owrds fit in it?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Kind of. But you don’t want too many words as it’s tempting to start moving your eyes left to right which isn’t great for the viewer. As long as the scroll speed is controllable it shouldn’t matter how many words are on the prompter at any one time.

[@coppensbram]

Couldn't you just use it for the hardware and use another app for the "prompting" part? I've seen other videos and it seems this works brilliantly as an "additional" monitor for Mac with little to no lag. So if you'd just run another app like Prompt+ (which is brilliant btw), wouldn't that solve your issues?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yeah, that workaround is a good....workaround! OI think Elgato basically half-assed the software implementation after getting the streaming/chat bit nailed. The teleprompter aspect isn't well thought-through at all. BUT you're right - the additional monitor functionality works!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I've made an update to this review to show how this works with another prompting app (Speakflow): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@DayPartyExperience]

Mine comes in today ordered early last month will let you know how it is great review.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. Enjoy!

[@Sylocke]

So how is it?

[@NiallBeag]

The blue light from an LCD or OLED screen is of a very specific frequency. This means that if your glasses have any effect at all on the blue light that your screen is emitting, there will be no blue at all. If you can't see any difference in the blue, that means the glasses aren't blocking any of the light emitted by your LCD/OLED.

[@ronspi]

Thank you for the honest review. In my opinion, you started to slide off course about what this prompter was made to do initially when you started to compare it to cheaper ones. Placing a $1,000 cell phone on a $99 prompter doesn't make the prompter better, nor cheaper, by any means. I agree that the software needs to be improved a LOT. But having this one piece of hardware that can be used as a separate display to overlay video meetings, using ONE cable, is worth every penny for me. Many users don't understand the intent of this device. Even if you don't use the Elgato software but use the hardware and a Teleprompter freeware running on your computer, then overlay it on the Prompter display and make it superior to the Elgato software, even that makes it worth every penny, in my opinion. Not to mention that Elgato keeps updating the software constantly, which is MUCH easier than replacing the whole hardware piece/kit.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Fair points Ron! I’ve been playing with the latest beta software and Elgato have addressed a lot of the pain points I found (though not all).

[@RetroSteveUK]

I recently made a teleprompter out of a cardboard box and a photo frame, lol. It actually works really well but I'd like to upgrade to one of these Elgato prompters eventually.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I bet your cardboard box has better software 😜

[@RetroSteveUK]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I think it might, actually. 😂 It's reflecting the text from an app on my 10" tablet ("Elegant Teleprompter"). It just works exactly how you need it to.

[@KindarConrath]

I wanted to let you know, several of the software issues are much improved in the current Beta - Its still in the works and isn't quite the same between Windows & Mac, but it supports multiple scripts now, splits scripts up by paragraph, and you can split a paragraph into 2 chapters with a simple right click menu now. There are more new features in the Beta, but I'd wait for the full release, just keep your eyes open!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@kindarconrath - I've just posted an update going through some of the new software features: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@tj_pittinger]

Agree completely. Good review. A lot to like about this. But, ultimately - it just doesn't work well as a teleprompter for me (Mac user) -- Saw another comment suggesting using display mode and another teleprompter app, that may work. I can't actually seem to control when the teleprompter comes up... meaning, I can't switch between display mode, text mode, etc.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That’s EXACTLY the problem I have. It just turns up randomly.

[@aniadigital624]

Brill review. Thank you.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks!

[@thetwominutetip9345]

My experience with the Elgato Prompter (using a Mac) was disastrous. The only thing worse than my experience getting this great-idea-of-a-thing to work, was Elgato support. I firmly believe they put this thing out on the market before they were actually ready to handle its flaws. I loved the idea. I SO wanted it to be the coolest thing. I was disappointed when I sent BOTH of them back.

[@thetwominutetip9345]

And yes, we did Display Link, reloaded the software, and whatever, a multitude of times. If I had a nickel for every time they "tried" something, I'd have at least $1.35.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I almost said this in my review but you put it better here. It just feels rushed.

[@CryptoWesttt]

does the Elgato screen take away quality in your camera lens?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Not that I’ve noticed.

[@stefan.tarara]

My biggest trouble which I didn’t expect is that I can’t use my iPhone in vertical portrait (!) mode recording me. If anyone here has a clue how to make that work - I’d be so extremely grateful to hear!! I just can’t make my phone being held in that portrait position to record me and I thought that many many many more social media influencers would criticize this - but I never saw this comment anywhere… Am I the only one who wants to record in portrait mode!?? 😅

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

There are two ways of doing this that I can think of. 1) Stick the phone on a separate tripod/mount up against the viewing window and use an Apple Watch or screen mirroring to make sure you're framed up properly before hitting record. 2) Use the included universal bracket combined with an iPhone mount - the bracket will need to be slid down to it's lowest setting. This type of mount should do the trick: amzn.to/3OPmeEm

[@Agantross]

I've got the elgato FaceCam Mk2 and I have HUGE problems with the software (had the same problems for a while with the "mk1"). The camera hub and the facecam itself feels super fragile to me on the software side because it freezes so often and easy. There was a workaround for the mk1 with the usb transfermode but the mk2 doesn't have this function in the camera hub so... Yeah, elgato really needs better software.

[@rogalaphotography]

I agree that this thing is finicky with a Mac! I have an M1 Pro MacBook Pro and what a pain to get to work! I also agree with trying to paste a script into the software! They should make it recognize that you have say 3 blank lines in between your paragraphs and automatically paste into the segments! Plus you can only put ONE script in at a time! Sometimes when I record I’m going 3-4 videos that day! It takes so much time to put each script in individually! However I do love the Elgato Footswitch to control the prompter!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for the comment and I'm glad I'm not the only one who has been tearing their hair out with this software! So - with the footswitch does it let you scroll forward and back dynamically or does it just skip forward/back to the start of the chapter. I've just had my mouse set-up within arm's reach so I can flick back to the start of a chapter. At the moment I have a new chapter every two sentences. MADNESS!

[@rogalaphotography]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I just saw a video that they updated the camera hub to 1.9 which fixes the scripts!!! It is AWESOME NOW!!!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

👀 I'm off to check it out!

[@rogalaphotography]

@@ThatMarkGilroy It’s the beta

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@rogalaphotography OK. It's definitely better! I made a little update over at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs with my thoughts

[@m.sabir21]

Can you review the software update?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It's out today buddy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

What do you want to know about this product? I'll make a follow-up answering the most common questions.

[@dadlearnsmoney]

1: your final verdict. Would you buy it knowing what you know now. 2. How universal is it with other webcams? Is it setup to get you to purchase theirs? Or most likely mine webcam would fit?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@dadlearnsmoney I answer question one in my update - out today kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs Question 2 - it's definitely set-up to get you to purchase theirs (the software now offers features like automatic following/contrast/brightness control over the elgato webcam) but it will fit others with a bit of fiddling. It'll also fit phones if you're using a phone as a webcam.

[@TMTVProductionsPR]

Thank you... that chapter breaking thing did it for me. If they fix that, I'm a buyer.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Good news- they JUST fixed it with a beta software release. Not perfect by any means but you can now paste in text and it’ll auto break in a far better way, and you can add scripts in for later rather than having to do them each time. I’ll post an update video soon!

[@TMTVProductionsPR]

@@ThatMarkGilroy 🙌💪 THANK YOU for letting us know!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@TMTVProductionsPR I made a video showing how their fix over at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@TMTVProductionsPR]

@@ThatMarkGilroy On my way to watch it. Mine arrived two days ago!

[@PeGe00]

The heading of your video nails it: I didn't watch it before buying and I think I'll send it back. DisplayLink on a Mac is a nightmare. It does not connect, freezes and eats up ressources. I am running it on a Apple MacBook Pro M2 and sometimes it freezes everything so I have to restart and hope it is better. Why don't they just use HDMI or HDMI over USB-C? This way one could also use an iPhone or any other device as source. And the other big thing is that it is not foldable. So basically I can attest that your points are valid for me as well. Should've watched your video before buying.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Peter, and sorry too!

[@johnlong9786]

I agree the prompting software is simply awful, hopefully they will address this ASAP. Maybe a markdown based approach, with sections labeled with "---"? I've got a MacBook Pro with an M2 processor, and I have had ZERO issues with the connection, even through a hub (Belkin AVC018) and my own cable. I usually have it as a second monitor, with a bunch of desktop widgets displaying when I'm not using it for video calls (my primary use case) or recording.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That's interesting. I'd love a markdown approach like that.

[@philipp-boettcher-hps]

6:12 The ElGato Prompter will not work well with MS Teams. The problem is the minimum window size of 800 x 670 of MS Teams (MacOS) that does not fit the screen size of the ElGato Prompter native resolution of 1024 x 600. If Microsoft enabled a minimum size of 800 x 600, MS Teams would also be compatible with the ElGato Prompter.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Teams is just rubbish isn’t it?! I seem to spend half my week sorting out issues because as an independent/freelancer I can’t get into corporate Teams accounts that I’ve been invited to. Usually the first 10mins are buggy as hell, and the call quality is horrible. When you have pockets as deep as Microsoft, a product this bad is unforgivable.

[@philipp-boettcher-hps]

@@ThatMarkGilroy True.

[@araouf3k]

Having used the parrot prompter for years, the elgato prompter is significantly better in nearly every way. Setup, visibility of the text, compatibility etc is much better. I have a mac and Im not having these issues with the software

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks for sharing- glad that it’s working out for you! I will make a follow up soon as I can as Elgato have made a bunch of improvements lately.

[@robert_starling]

Soooo... you're not fond of the software? 😇 I've only had it for week but I'm not so interested in the scripted text, moreso in visual eye contact with the lens while doing Zoom type calls as well as when I'm playing and recording guitar parts remotely with others. My 16" MBP M1 has no problems with that. I think the software does have issues in setup and connect / reconnect but again, I don't use it for scrolling dialog. It would be better if it all packed down because I could use it when we're interviewing clients where they only need bullet points to keep them on track. When we need full prompting, I always hire a professional for our work.

[@stopandthinknow]

Your principal complaint is the software. Since your video was posted about a month ago, have you downloaded the recent updated software 1.9 version? Chack this out to see if it solved any of your prior objections. I would be interested in hearing from you on this. Thanks.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

If you're still interested - here are my thoughts on the 1.9 update kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnWYXquklpKqqbs

[@FallacyAsPraxis]

I agree about the software. I do believe that they designed this thing for gamers who livestream their play...not so much for content creators who do talking head videos. I do both, and I wouldn't recommend this El Gato product for anyone who does a lot of talking head videos. The older generation of teleprompters with the ipad/prompter app work better. All the voice-activated teleprompter apps flow smoother than this...even the free ones. El Gato needs to completely revise the software in the version 2.0 of this product.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Fingers crossed the key issues can be addressed with software updates 🤞🏼 - in the interests of balance I know a few other talking head creators who love this product and rave about it!

[@drewstump5594]

It just came out my man! Jesus! I personally love mine! I feel like you were a bit brutal at the end lol who hurt you?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

😂 I know. OK, full disclosure- I spent 40mins recording the a-roll for this video and then loaded it onto my computer to find it hadn’t worked. So I channeled all of my rage into the second run through and it probably shows. I stand by what I said though. That software sucks camel d*cks.

[@drewstump5594]

​@@ThatMarkGilroyok I get the rage a bit now lol good luck man

[@somaticconsent510]

like you dud, refreshing.

[@hifce]

Did anyone use the Stream Deck software with this device?

[@user-tu7kc3su4e]

The device is nothing more than a 9" display with a mirror. The Elgato Camera Hub software can control your Elgato camera and the prompter. The Hub software has a built-in scrolling text feature (as shown in this video), but you can use ANY alternative software to do that, it's just another monitor. The Stream Deck is able to sent commands to the camera and the prompter, like brightness, font size, scroll speed, pause/resume, prev/next chapter etc. The Stream Deck could ofcourse control your alternative software if there is a plug in for it. It works quite well.

[@Horton_NovakBR]

Loved the prompter but you right the software is really bad… the only solution I got is to pair it with the elgato stream deck plus… using the dials you can scroll and stop text as on other software… they probably had this upsell in mind when created the prompter software.

[@kristopherbowman1672]

what kind of computer are you using?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ah. That is very cheeky. Good to know it works that way though!

[@SGAndyAng]

Link the prompter directly to your Mac. Not thru a hub.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Tricky when they only supply a USB-C to USB-A cable and my Mac only has Thunderbolt/USB-C. I tried a direct connection using the massive cable I show later in the video but if anything it was worse than using a hub.

[@annebokma4637]

Is it really twice the price of your outgoing teleprompter? Did you include the price of whatever you use as a screen? And dont you use a stand for your camera already? So you don't buy a new one right? And if you count that cost, why not count the camera and pc as well? 😂

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ha! Fair enough!

[@annebokma4637]

@@ThatMarkGilroy you answered, I subscribed. Appreciate you taking the time.