Watch this before buying the Elgato Prompter

I've made a follow-up to this video to go through some of the updates Elgato have made since release. It's good, but it's still not right (for me): https://youtu.be/HD5-xna-wsY

Thanks, Mark. Brilliant video. I'm new to your channel and really like your content, delivery and humour - the perfect mix! I'm a Mac user (MBP M1 2021). My Prompter arrived last week, and so far, like you, I am generally impressed, though still seriously struggling with the software. Having followed Elgato's set-up for the Display Link Manager and Camera Hub, I still get warning prompts saying I need to update Settings, which have been done and redone many times! At this stage, I can use the Prompter as a teleprompter, but for calls and webinar delivery, which, as a business trainer, was the reason I bought it, it's unusable. I messaged Elgato support for help a week ago, and so far, no response. Right now, I'm torn between keeping what I think is a brilliant piece of kit or returning it, as it doesn't seem useable for the job I bought it for. The next step is to call Elgato to see if they can help over the phone, as their support tickets don't get answered. Apologies, I'm getting it off my chest, too! Great video! You have a new subscriber. Sending best.

I have a M2 Max Mac and once I got it set up I havent had any issues, the setup was a bit of a learning curve but it works now. I was concerned when I first got it as I didnt read about the software issues until too late but all is well now.

Great review, thanks. Was definitely considering this but will hold off for now until the Mac issues are sorted.

Thanks so much for your honesty. Rare that people talk about the bad so directly. Saved me a bunch of frustration.

For anyone who is having MacOS software issues getting it to connect, it's a simple fix. Rather than unplugging prompter or constant restarts, it just requires a few steps. Do this if your prompter isn't connecting or showing the script part. 1. Quit Camera Hub. 2: Top bar of the Mac select Display Link (It's the icon with the two squares on top of each other,) and toggle off and on "Elgato promo". 3. Open back up Camera Hub and Viola! It should start working again.

Great review! Very helpful and reasoned.

Thanks for the warnings! I feel like you could totally make an entire video on alternative solutions. Gonna go look into the Padcaster!

Thanks for the honest review. I returned mine due to the many issues using a Mac.

Wow, I’ve been thinking about getting the prompter, but you have me spooked about the software issues. Thanks for the heads up.

Hi Mark! Thank you for the product review! I have a quick question: I am just getting into the world of content creation, and I am a total newbie in this field! I was wondering what equipment you would recommend to help me create good quality video content without breaking the bank? The phone I have is a Samsung 21e. Looking forward to your reply :)

Thanks for a fab review. So, what app do you use with your old set up for the teleprompting and what is the old equipment that you use. Any amazon links

Excellent video, thank you Mark! Really enjoyed your style and delivery coupled with your well balanced opinion(s). Refreshing! As something of an Elgato fanboy myself, I'd agree with your appraisal that, to really get the most out of the Prompter, you'll get more out of it if you also have other products from the Elgato eco system. And yeah, the script software, from loading to use, basically sucks! Negatives aside, it's the first Elgato product that I've said to myself "I NEED this" just on watching the first video review (Senpai gaming's)! No wonder that they're still on back order some 4 or 5 months after launch - demand has far out stripped availability. Subscribed!

Great Review, mate! I was going to buy one for my YouTube Channel, but after watching your video I think I will search for better options. Keep up the content, you are doing great.

Superb. I recently got the Neewer 12" and downloaded PromptSmart. The voice activation is incredible. I was going to get the Elgato, but it was severely back ordered. Kind of glad I held off. O believe yours is one of the more honest videos. Cheers from over the pond :hand-pink-waving:

Good review. I had the same frustrations with the Prompter--hardware fine, software unusable. I switched to Speakflow, which is a web based program, and works great. On a side note, have you noticed a decline in picture quality, Prompter vs. non-Prompter?

Really good, and entertaining review. Thanks!

Really helpful, thank you!

Great video! I love your approach. You know, I just got one of these things, too. I was already pretty invested in the iPad teleprompter app I already use. So, I bypassed the Elgato Prompter software altogether. In fact, I made a video about it on my channel. I suspect that your intermittent success with the Prompter software might be the DisplayLink app that has to run on the Mac for the Prompter to be recognized. In my case, I explicitly quit the DisplayLink app and launch it when I want it to run. I do the same with the Camera Hub software. Keep up the great work! New subscriber here.

I was worried if I used this it would ruin my lens? I currently use something like you said you used to (with an ipad). Super heavy and takes ages to set up but does the job. Edit: seems like this wouldn't be suitable, the software issue and not being able to control from the phone is a game changer. Do you think the padcaster would be suitable for holding an ipad air?