Teleprompters are the hardware used in video production to prompt talent for speech with pre-written text. They are monitors that are loaded with pc-compatible software and are usually connected to a personal computer, which, together, broadcast the text in large letters so that the speaker can read his speech from a distance. The text is broadcast in white letters on a black background, so as to be easily read. The hardware comes complete with a knob or joystick to enable the person who is doing the prompting to speed up or slow down the broadcasting of the text. A teleprompter kit often comes with a T-stand to enable the user to set up the prompter if it's not attached to a camera stand; the kit can also contain one or several pieces of glass to reflect the prompter's words toward the speaker.
In the last ten years, as video production has spread, and as the cost of hardware and software have come down, teleprompters have also been adapted for use in schools, churches, news networks, political campaigns and government agencies.
Teleprompters are out-of-the-box tools, usually made in such a rudimentary style that even a high school student could operate one. They do, however, have recurring issues.
Most often, the software will lock up, and the teleprompter will freeze. When this happens, it is necessary to re-boot both the monitor, as well as the personal computer that the monitor is operating in tandem with, at which point, the teleprompter will return to running smoothly.
Teleprompter monitors will sometimes reverse, causing the words on the prompter to appear backward. If this occurs, it is usually because the reversing mirror inside the teleprompter has shattered due to poor handling, and will need to be replaced.
Finally, the glass on either the monitor or the reflecting glass itself sometimes shatters, again, due to poor handling. If so, it will need to be replaced.
If teleprompter problems occur, check the user's manual to see if it's possible to do fixes by hand. If not, the teleprompter will have to be sent back to the manufacturer for repairs.
Teleprompters can be rented at local production rental houses, and so, if these break, they can be exchanged.