The Complete Guide to Autocue Teleprompters

Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing, check the linked product pages for live pricing and stock.

Autocue makes professional teleprompters, the systems that let a presenter read a script while looking straight down the lens. A prompter reflects text from a monitor onto a beam-splitter glass in front of the lens, so the camera sees through the glass while the talent sees the words. This guide explains how Autocue's range fits together: the Explorer, Pioneer and Navigator prompters, the monitors, mounting, prompting software, controllers and talent feedback. To pick a specific model, see our Autocue teleprompter buying guide.

How a teleprompter works

Every on-camera prompter has three parts: a monitor that displays the scrolling script, a beam-splitter glass angled in front of the lens that reflects the text back to the presenter while staying transparent to the camera, and a hood that shields the glass from stray light. The script is driven by prompting software on a laptop, and the operator controls scroll speed with a controller, a foot pedal or hand control. Get those elements right and the read looks completely natural.

The three prompter ranges

Explorer, the accessible on-camera prompter

The 19" and 17" Explorer prompters cover most everyday needs, interviews, corporate, single-camera studio and field work. The Explorer software is built for simple workflows: one prompter output (HDMI, NDI or iPad), a single controller, and manual script import.

Pioneer, the broadcast prompter

The Pioneer range steps up in both hardware and software. It offers more configurations, studio, studio box-lens, portable, jib and PTZ, and adds High Brightness monitors for shooting in bright conditions. The Pioneer software supports multiple controllers and simultaneous outputs, live editing while the prompt keeps running, multi-script management with newsroom integration (MOS or FTP), and PowerPoint slide triggering, everything a busy broadcast gallery needs.

Navigator, conference and presidential prompting

For speeches and presentations, the Navigator Conference Package and Navigator Plus Conference Package use clear glass panels on stands either side of a lectern, so a speaker can address the room while reading. A manual conference stand is also available.

Monitors and brightness

The prompter monitor sets how bright and readable the text is. Autocue offers Pioneer and Pioneer High Brightness monitors (12", 17", 19") for demanding and outdoor conditions, and more affordable Explorer monitors (17", 19") for standard use. A brighter monitor reflects a more legible image on the glass, which matters under studio or daylight.

Talent feedback monitors

On bigger productions the presenter often needs to see a return feed, the program output, a clock or notes, below the lens. The 22" Talent Monitor (and its mounting package) provides exactly that.

Software: Explorer vs Pioneer

The software tier is the real dividing line. Explorer software (annual or lifetime) handles a single output and controller with manual scripts. Pioneer software (annual or lifetime) adds multiple outputs and controllers, live editing, newsroom integration and PowerPoint, pick the tier that matches your workflow, not just your hardware.

Controllers

How you drive the scroll is a personal choice. The Wireless Foot Controller and wired Foot Controller keep your hands free (ideal when the presenter self-prompts), while the ShuttleXpress hand controller is a compact, affordable desk control for an operator.

Mounting and accessories

Autocue offers mounting packages for every configuration, studio, portable, PTZ, box-lens and direct-view, plus hood glass, counterweights, tally lights, clocks, transit cases and HDMI/SDI cabling and adaptors to complete a system. There's even a Starter Series iPad prompter for the simplest self-prompting setups.

Frequently asked questions

How does a teleprompter work?

A monitor displays the scrolling script, and a beam-splitter glass angled in front of the lens reflects that text back to the presenter while remaining transparent to the camera. The presenter reads down the lens while the camera sees only the subject.

What is the difference between Autocue Explorer and Pioneer?

Explorer is the simpler range, one prompter output, a single controller and manual scripts, ideal for straightforward studio and field work. Pioneer adds High Brightness monitors, more configurations (studio, box-lens, portable, jib, PTZ) and advanced software with multiple outputs, live editing, newsroom integration and PowerPoint triggering for broadcast.

What is a Navigator conference prompter?

The Navigator is a conference or presidential prompter, clear glass panels on stands beside a lectern that let a speaker read a script while addressing the room, rather than reading down a camera lens.

Do I need a high brightness prompter monitor?

A High Brightness monitor makes the reflected text more legible in bright studio or outdoor conditions. For controlled indoor lighting a standard monitor is usually fine; for daylight or very bright sets, choose High Brightness.

Where to buy in Australia

Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We support our valued specialist retail partners and prefer that you purchase through them wherever possible: use the store finder to locate your nearest authorised dealer. If you would rather buy direct, we can also facilitate your order.