Why You Should Use a Professional Teleprompter Instead of an iPad Setup (Or: Why You Don’t Want to Wing It in Front of a Crowd)

Let’s talk about teleprompters. You know—those magical screens that make it look like someone memorised a five-minute speech but really just read it flawlessly straight down the lens?

They’re one of the most underrated but absolutely essential tools in video production, live events, and corporate comms.

Whether you’re filming a CEO message, hosting a live-streamed panel, or delivering a keynote to 800 people and a virtual audience—you want your presenter to look confident, polished and like they actually know what they’re talking about.

So, why do some people still try to run the show using an iPad with a $29 app and a dodgy Bluetooth remote?

Let’s break it down.

1️⃣ What a Teleprompter Actually Does (When Done Properly)

It’s not just about sticking words on a screen. A good teleprompter setup:

✅ Helps presenters maintain eye contact with the camera or audience.

✅ Keeps them relaxed and natural, without memorising paragraphs.

✅ Controls pacing, tone, and flow, even under pressure.

✅ Reduces the number of “um... sorry, what was the line again?” moments.

💡 Real world use case?A CEO looks directly down the lens and confidently delivers a message to stakeholders. No wobbles. No re-records. No cue cards.

2️⃣ iPad Teleprompters: Great for YouTubers. A Liability for Everything Else.

Look, we get it. iPads seem convenient. But the moment you bring them into a high-pressure production—especially a live one—you’re asking for trouble.

Here’s why they just don’t cut it:

iPad Prompters Often...	Which Means...
Freeze or lag mid-scroll	Awkward pauses, broken flow, cue panic
Use flaky Bluetooth remotes	They disconnect. At the worst possible moment. Every time.
Have small, dim screens	Presenters squint. Or stop. Or just ad-lib until it’s over.
Rely on self-scrolling	Good luck if your presenter speeds up or slows down
Reflect light like a disco ball	Hello glare, goodbye clean footage
Can’t integrate with professional workflows	Producers can’t send cues, time codes, or make adjustments

💡 Picture this:

You're 45 seconds into a live broadcast. The Bluetooth remote drops out. The iPad freezes. The presenter stares at the screen like it’s mocking them. The audience stares too.

3️⃣ iPads + Live Productions = Nope.

Let’s be blunt: Consumer teleprompter setups aren’t built for live production.

You’re risking your entire show on a $29 app and a “fingers crossed” mentality.

Here’s what goes wrong in live settings:

❌ No operator control. Your presenter’s stuck with a fixed scroll speed—and zero help if they go off pace.

❌ No redundancy. If it fails (and it will), there’s no Plan B.

❌ No brightness. iPads lose the fight the moment studio lights turn on.

❌ No integration. Forget cueing presenters, syncing scripts, or running show rundowns.

💡 Been there, fixed that: We’ve turned up to gigs where the client tried using an iPad the year before and swore never again. We don’t blame them.

4️⃣ Why Professional Teleprompters Are Worth It (And Then Some)

If you’re investing in video production, a corporate live stream, or an event with actual stakes, you want a teleprompter setup that won’t betray you.

Here’s what you get with a pro rig:

✅ Operator-controlled scrolling – No lag, no guessing. Someone’s got your back in real time.

✅ Large, high-brightness screens – Readable from metres away, even under stage lights.

✅ Anti-glare, broadcast-grade glass – Looks great on camera. No weird reflections.

✅ Hardwired systems – No Bluetooth. No dropouts. No excuses.

✅ Production integration – Ties into your whole show: cues, countdowns, producer notes, the works.

💡 The result? Presenters speak clearly, stay on pace, and look like total pros—even if they’ve never read off a prompter before.

5️⃣ iPad vs. Professional Teleprompters – Let’s Not Pretend It’s Close

Feature	iPad Setup	Professional Setup
Scrolling	Laggy, inconsistent	Operator-controlled, smooth
Screen Size	Small, hard to read	Large, high-brightness, studio-ready
Reflections	Yep, plenty	Nope—anti-glare, broadcast-grade
Connectivity	Bluetooth (aka unstable)	Wired for rock-solid reliability
Workflow Integration	None	Fully integrated with live production
Operator Support	Good luck, you’re on your own	You’ve got a pro behind the wheel
Live Production Suitability	Please don’t	Absolutely, yes

6️⃣ Why Reel Impact Media Doesn’t Mess Around with iPads

At Reel Impact Media, we believe your production deserves better than hoping an iPad behaves on the day.

We bring:

✔️ Broadcast-grade teleprompters that play nicely with lights, cameras and real humans.

✔️ Experienced operators who adjust scrolling on the fly (so you don’t have to).

✔️ Custom setups for cameras, podiums, or stage setups—no duct tape required.

✔️ Integration with live streaming and event workflows—cue systems, countdown timers, and everything in between.

We’ve worked across live TV, conferences, corporate productions, and high-stakes events—and we haven’t lost a feed or frozen a script yet.

🎤 Want Your Next Shoot to Run Smoothly?

Whether it’s a live-streamed panel, an investor update, or a scripted awards night—a reliable teleprompter setup is your secret weapon.

📩 Get in touch at reelimpactmedia.com.au to book a professional Autocue operator in Sydney.