New York’s qtv has been a leader in developing prompter systems for more than four decades, and it recently introduced the FDP-6 lcd model, a lightweight unit designed for hand-held and Steadicam video use.

The prompter’s lens view assembly is easily mounted to the front of the camera lens, and beam-splitter technology allows a broadcaster to look directly into the camera and read text off the flat, six-inch lcd monitor while maintaining proper eye-line.

The text (color or black and white) is generated from laptop computer software and can be transmitted to the prompter via remote.

At last month’s ‘newtechnology99’ showcase in Toronto, Terry Crack of film and video equipment distributor Cinequip demonstrated the prompter with a wireless receiver and transmitter from California’s Coherent Communications, which minimizes the number of cables videographers are always complaining about tripping over.

The unit is aimed at eng crews faced with extensive travel and those requiring quick, unencumbered setups in corporate and studio settings as well as on location. It is intended primarily for indoor work, as the flat screen is difficult to read outside unless in the shade.

The prompter monitor can be flipped back when the dop wants nothing in front of the lens – e.g., if there is matte box work to be done – in which case the cameraman still has the benefit of a small monitor above the lens.

Cinequip offers the FDP-6 lcd as a rental, and it will also be for sale, at a cost of $3,995.

qtv: (212) 460-9050; fax (212) 529-9679, www.qtv.com

Coherent Communications: (661) 295-0300; fax (661) 295-0090

Cinequip: (416) 467-7700, 1-800-465-0160; fax (416) 467-7716