# teleprompter

> display device that provides a speaker with electronic visual text of a speech or script

**Wikidata**: [Q770692](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q770692)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleprompter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/teleprompter

## Summary
A teleprompter is a display device that provides speakers with electronic visual text of a speech or script, typically used in television broadcasting and public speaking to help presenters deliver their lines accurately without memorization.

## Key Facts
- A teleprompter is a subclass of display device, specifically an output device for presentation of information in visual form.
- It often includes a one-way mirror as a component.
- The inventor is Hubert Schlafly.
- It is also known by aliases including autocue, cueing device, and has the Chinese translation 提词器.
- It is categorized under teleprompters on Amazon with the browse node 7161088011.
- It has 35 sitelink references on Wikipedia.
- The freebase ID references Q15241312 from 2013-10-28.
- It is described as a display device that provides a speaker with electronic visual text of a speech or script.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a teleprompter and an autocue?
A: Both are display devices for presenting text to speakers, but they differ in how the text is displayed and positioned for the presenter.

### Q: Who invented the teleprompter?
A: The teleprompter was invented by Hubert Schlafly.

### Q: What are the main components of a teleprompter?
A: A teleprompter typically includes a display device with electronic text and often uses a one-way mirror to position the text for the speaker.

### Q: What is the purpose of a teleprompter?
A: It helps speakers deliver speeches or scripts accurately by providing electronic visual text while maintaining eye contact with the audience.

## Why It Matters
The teleprompter revolutionized public speaking and broadcasting by enabling speakers to deliver complex speeches or scripts with confidence and accuracy. It solves the problem of memorization and speech errors while maintaining professional presentation standards. In television broadcasting, it ensures consistent delivery of news, interviews, and other programs, improving both the quality and reliability of on-air presentations. The device has become an essential tool in modern media production, allowing professionals to deliver polished performances without the pressure of memorization.

## Notable For
- First invented by Hubert Schlafly
- Uses a one-way mirror as a key component
- Categorized as a display device
- Has multiple aliases including autocue
- Used in television broadcasting and public speaking

## Body
### Technical Components
A teleprompter typically consists of:
- **Display screen**: Shows the text of the speech or script
- **One-way mirror**: Positioned at an angle to reflect the text to the speaker while allowing the camera to see the speaker's face
- **Control system**: Manages the scrolling speed and positioning of the text

### Historical Development
The teleprompter was invented by Hubert Schlafly, who developed the first practical model in the 1950s. The device was initially called an "autocue" and was later renamed "teleprompter" when used in television broadcasting.

### Operational Principle
The text is displayed on a transparent screen that reflects light from a lamp positioned behind it. The one-way mirror allows the camera to capture the speaker's face while the speaker sees the reflected text. The text scrolls at a controlled speed to match the speaker's natural speech rate.

### Classification
As a display device, the teleprompter falls under the broader category of output devices for visual information presentation. It is distinct from other display technologies like monitors or projectors due to its specialized application in live presentations.

### Usage in Media
Teleprompters are widely used in television broadcasting for news anchors, interviewers, and other presenters. They are also common in political speeches, corporate presentations, and other formal speaking engagements where accuracy and professionalism are critical.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GF WordNet