New York Yankees Utilize Autoscript Teleprompters, Software

To help keep players and coaching staff on cue for their big-screen video clips this season, the New York Yankees recruited teleprompting solutions from Autoscript, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, a teleprompting company. Autoscript LED8TFT-M portable teleprompters and +WinPlus Studio+ software help the team deliver game-winning entertainment to spectators in the stands.

Autoscript’s eight-inch LED8TFT, selected to join the Yankees during spring training, is ideal for portable prompting applications. Along with the LED8TFT, the production setup includes Sony cameras, tripods from Sachtler and Vinten as well as Litepanels lighting.

The LED8TFT incorporates a built-in tally light, tally sensor input, and provides an illuminated control panel for easy viewing. As brightness level is critical to a portable prompting system used outdoors, the LED8TFT high-bright display helps deliver outstanding performance under daylight conditions. In addition, the LED8TFT features a compact size, rugged all-metal case and an on-camera mounting system versatile enough for nearly any portable camera.

“We especially like the portability of the equipment, as we are often using it in the field. The LED8 gives us that flexibility,” says Michael Bonner, senior director of scoreboard & broadcasting, Yankees. “We also wanted our players to be comfortable with the readability and the pace of the prompter to ensure clear delivery of the messages, including PSAs, welcome messages, trivia questions, etc. that ultimately end up on the big screen during home games.”

+WinPlus Studio+ delivers the flexibility and smart design required by a professional broadcast environment. A Windows-based software package that adds the ease of “point-and-click” functionality to an intuitive on-screen edit display, +WinPlus Studio+ can provide stand-alone prompting for presentation and general production both in the studio and on location. Features include a fully active run order, which can be manipulated at any time during scrolling, as well as instant prompt editing. WinPlus Studio is available with an internal PCI card or external box connected via USB.

“It is really simple to make a quick fix in the software,” adds Bonner. “Every now and then a player might suggest a copy change, so using the WinPlus software, we’re able to simply make the change at the player’s request and it appears on the monitor for them just how they wanted it. In addition, if we need assistance with the hardware or software, it is easy to reach out to the support folks and get solutions.”