The Datavideo TP-300 is a prompter kit designed to convert a tablet computer (not supplied) into a low-cost and effective teleprompter for use in theatre settings or video studios. It helps presenters maintain eye contact with the audience and avoid drifting off script, reducing the need for expensive re-takes.
Function Description:
The TP-300 kit allows users to easily copy and paste prepared scripts or cue sheets into the DV Prompter app software. The text can then be scrolled at a set automatic rate or controlled by a user with an optional wired or wireless remote for a more natural presentation. The system utilizes a special 60/40 mirror glass, which enables the presenter to read the script directly while the camera sees the subject clearly through the glass. The prompter frame is designed for secure attachment to any standard tripod quick release plate and supports various prompting configurations, including stand-alone, in front of the camera, or below the lens. The adjustable black camera snood/hood adapts to a wide range of cameras, and the expandable mounting bracket system ensures a secure fit for the tablet computer.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Text File Format: Copy and paste from email or text file.
- Reading Range: Approximately 3 meters (9 feet).
- Prompter Wired Remote Control Cable Length: Approximately 3 meters (9 feet).
- Prompter Remote Control Battery Life (Bluetooth): 2 years at average usage (for the remote itself, not the tablet).
- Prompter Size:
- Width: 250 mm (9.84 inches)
- Height: 210 mm (8.27 inches)
- Depth: 447 mm (17.6 inches)
- Expandable Mounting Bracket Sizes:
- Minimum tablet width: 105 mm
- Maximum tablet width: 198 mm
- Nett Weight (Kit): 1.9 Kg (4.2 lbs).
- Packed Weight (Gross Kit): 2.8 Kg (6.18 lbs).
- Glass Type: 60/40 mirror glass.
- Camera Exposure Impact: The 60/40 glass affects camera exposure by approximately 1 stop, similar to a neutral density filter.
Usage Features:
- Simple Assembly: The kit is designed for quick and simple assembly without special tooling.
- Tablet Compatibility: Supports both Android™ and iOS™ devices. The DV Prompter app is available for download from the App Store™ and Google Play™.
- Flexible Setup: Can be configured for "Normal Tripod Set Up" (camera above the prompter) or "Below Camera Lens Set Up" (camera below the prompter). Riser blocks are provided to adjust camera height for optimal lens positioning relative to the 60/40 glass.
- Adjustable Prompter Frame: The lower rail of the prompter frame can be adjusted to accommodate different tablet sizes and shapes.
- Customizable Display Settings: Users can change the font type (e.g., Verdana), font size (8pt to 72pt), font color (White, Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange), and background color to ensure comfortable reading from various distances.
- Mirror Display: The "Mirrored Display" setting allows the text to be correctly reflected off the 60/40 glass for the presenter.
- Scrolling Speed Control: The text scrolling speed can be adjusted, with "Slow Time" and "Fast Time" settings for fine-tuning speed changes during playback using the remote.
- Start Settings: Options for automatic text scrolling at startup or a delayed start (up to 10 seconds).
- Remote Control Options:
- Wired Remote: Connects via the headset jack for Android™ or iOS™ devices. Features Play/Pause (Green button), Stop (Red button), and Speed Up/Down arrows.
- Bluetooth Wireless Remote: Designed for Android™ and iOS™ devices. Offers similar controls to the wired remote.
- Break Markers: Special characters (e.g., *#) can be inserted into the script to create "break markers," allowing users to quickly jump forward or backward through the text using the remote, which is useful for production changes.
- Text Import: Scripts can be quickly added by copying and pasting from email or imported as text files via iTunes™ for Apple devices.
- Side Curtains: Optional side curtains can be fitted to the snood/hood, especially useful in direct sunlight, to prevent light reflections off the mirror glass or tablet.
Maintenance Features:
- Glass Handling: The 60/40 mirror glass requires careful handling during transport, unpacking, cleaning, assembly, and disassembly to avoid damage or injury.
- Glass Cleaning: Datavideo recommends regular cleaning of the glass to remove dust and fingerprints for optimal image quality. The glass should be carefully removed from the prompter frame for cleaning.
- Cleaning Agents: Only soft, lint-free cloths should be used. Abrasive cloths, pads, or abrasive-based cleaning fluids, as well as acid or vinegar solutions, should be avoided to preserve the glass qualities and prevent scratching. Cleaning fluids should be applied to the cloth, not directly to the glass.
- Glass Orientation: When re-installing the glass, ensure the green circle sticker faces the on-screen talent/commentator and the red circle sticker faces the camera lens.
- Bluetooth Remote Charging: The Bluetooth remote should be charged for at least two hours before a prompting session using a USB charging cable. A flashing red LED indicates charging, which stops when fully charged. The remote automatically powers off after 30 minutes of inactivity.
- Bluetooth Remote Battery Indicator: The DV Prompter app displays "RECHARGE BATTERY" when the Bluetooth remote's battery is low.
- Bluetooth Remote Reset: A reset procedure is available if pairing is unsuccessful, involving holding the green button until the LED glows red.
- Tablet Settings: It is recommended to set the tablet's Auto Lock/Auto Sleep feature to 'Never' and turn off cellular, SMS, and email notifications during prompting sessions to prevent interruptions.
- Keyboard Disablement: When using the Bluetooth remote, the tablet's on-screen keyboard will be disabled once paired, so text amendments should be made beforehand.
- Protective Skins: Third-party protective skins may need to be removed from the tablet before fitting it into the expandable mounting bracket.