A teleprompter can be a standalone hardware device with a beam-splitter mirror, software that displays scrolling text on a screen, or a combination of both. Its main function is to project text in front of a camera lens, enabling the speaker to read a script while maintaining direct eye contact with the audience. Central to this setup is the beam splitter glass, a specialized type of mirror.
Why do teleprompters use mirrors? In this article, we will delve into every aspect you need to know about them, including:
- What is it, and how does a teleprompter mirror work?
- Why is it used in a teleprompter system?
- How to choose the suitable type?
What is a teleprompter mirror glass?
A teleprompter mirror, also known as teleprompter glass, is a specialized type of glass engineered to reflect text toward the speaker while staying transparent to a camera positioned behind it. Unlike standard mirrors or glass, teleprompter mirrors use beam-splitting technology to clearly display text to the speaker while letting the camera record a clean, unobstructed image.
They come in various types, with the most common being 30R/70T and 40R/60T. These ratios indicate that the glass reflects either 30% or 40% of the light while allowing 70% or 60% to pass through. When text appears on the screen, it is reflected onto the mirror’s surface. For example, with 30R/70T glass, 30% of the light is directed toward the speaker’s eyes, making the script visible and readable.
Why do teleprompters use mirrors?
In addition to the camera and monitor, the mirror plays a crucial role in any teleprompter system. So why are mirrors used in teleprompters? Because they’re what makes the setup work seamlessly. The one-way mirror displays the script for the speaker to read, thanks to a special coating that both reflects and transmits light.
It allows you to maintain eye contact with the camera
The main advantage is that they allow speakers to keep steady eye contact with the camera. By projecting the script onto a mirror positioned in front of the lens, presenters can follow their lines while appearing to speak directly to viewers, boosting connection and credibility.
The reflective scripts are hidden from the audience to ensure professionalism
Beam splitter glass is engineered to reflect the script toward the speaker without revealing it to the camera. This allows the audience to view a clean, distraction-free image, maintaining the illusion of an unscripted delivery.
Teleprompter mirror offers efficient light balance to ensure both readability and video clarity
Beam splitter mirrors are carefully designed to offer an ideal mix of reflectivity and transparency. Popular options like 30R/70T or 40R/60T reflect 30% or 40% of the light toward the speaker while allowing 70% or 60% to pass through to the camera. This ensures the script remains easy to read without affecting the clarity of the recorded footage.
It ensures minimal ghosting to reduce eye strain and headaches
To reduce ghosting, beam-splitter glass features a reflective coating on the front and often an anti-reflective coating on the back. This significantly dims any ghost images. While beam-splitter glass is more costly than regular glass, it provides a superior viewing and recording experience. This is especially important for frequent or long video sessions. In contrast, standard glass can cause excessive ghosting, which may hinder readability and even lead to eye strain or headaches.
How to choose the right type?
Choosing the right teleprompter mirror depends on your specific needs and the environment where you'll be filming your video.
Standard Beamsplitter Glass: It is ideal for indoor video recording
This piece of photography equipment is the most widely used type for teleprompters. It's ideal for indoor use. One of the key choices you'll need to make is selecting between 60/40 or 70/30 glass. If you have vision difficulties, you may prefer a glass that reflects more light, so the 60/40 option might be best for you. However, with the right camera settings and lighting, a 70/30 reflective glass will typically work well even for those with vision impairments.
The Moman MT12 is a good choice, featuring a standard teleprompter mirror. The 12-inch tempered beamsplitter glass provides a sharp HD display within a 15-foot reading range. A black hood is attached at the back and securely fits around the camera lens with a drawstring. This design blocks light from entering from behind, enhancing the contrast between the text and the background. Both features ensure clearly-viewed scripts. Besides, the robust metal construction easily accommodates tablets up to 12.9 inches and smartphones. The Moman Prompter APP and remote control ensure simple operation. All these come at the price of $149.
Outdoor Beamsplitter: A good choice for outdoor filming, ensuring text is visible in bright sunlight
An outdoor beamsplitter is specifically designed for filming or speaking in bright sunlight. The main distinction between it and an indoor beamsplitter is the tinted coating, which helps reduce glare. This ensures that the scrolling text remains visible even in outdoor environments.
Outdoor Acrylic Beamsplitter: It works well outdoors and offers great durability
Similar to a standard outdoor beamsplitter, the outdoor acrylic version is made from acrylic instead of glass. The primary benefit of acrylic is its lightweight nature and increased durability. In outdoor settings, where accidents are more likely, glass beamsplitters can easily be knocked over and shattered. This could be disastrous, especially during live broadcasts. The acrylic version offers a practical solution to avoid such issues.
First Surface Mirror: This ensures optimal readability while no light can go through
A First Surface Mirror, typically made from glass or acrylic, is ideal when the speaker requires optimal readability. This mirror is fully opaque, meaning no light passes through, making it effectively a 100/0 beamsplitter glass. However, a key drawback is that you can't record through the mirror, so the camera will need to be positioned at a different angle to capture the speaker.
