Ikan has announced the HomeStream Smartphone Teleprompter For DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras. It is a low-cost teleprompter solution that utilizes your smartphone and a downloadable HomeStream teleprompter app that is available for iOS and Android devices.
With more and more people now streaming or needing to do presentations from home, a lightweight teleprompter makes a lot of sense. However, it needs to be straightforward and easy to use otherwise non-tech-savvy customers won’t be interested.
Teleprompters that utilize a smartphone or a tablet have been around for a long time. Some are better than others.
We saw a similar product from Genus at IBC 2017 that is very similar to this Ikan HomeStream Teleprompter.
Key features
- Lightweight portable smartphone teleprompter
- Supports iPhones and Android devices as teleprompter display
- Minimum phone size: 4 x 2.3 in; Maximum phone size: 7 x 3.5 in
- Supports larger smartphones including the iPhone 11 Pro
- Utilizes 70/30 beamsplitter teleprompter glass
- Works with DSLR, mirrorless, or smartphones as camera
- Attaches to most lens sizes: 49, 52, 55, 58, 67, 72, 77, 82mm
- Option to mount smartphone to record in horizontal or vertical mode
- Three 1/4-20″ threads on bottom of teleprompter
- Bluetooth remote control included
- Downloadable HomeStream teleprompter app for iOS and Android
The Ikan HomeStream can support a variety of phone sizes and it can attach to most lens sizes with the included adapter rings. These rings come in sizes of 49, 52, 55, 58, 67, 72, 77, and 82mm. The kit includes a smartphone holder that allows you to use your phone in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.
The teleprompter uses 70/30 beamsplitter glass. The large display area allows you to use lenses as wide as 24mm (full frame).
How does it attach?
The HomeStream Teleprompter attaches directly to your camera lens. You don’t need any additional mounting hardware, nor do you need to use it with rails.
How do you control the teleprompter?
Ikan includes a Bluetooth remote that you pair with your phone. This allows you to start, pause, speed up, slow down, page up, or page down your script while using the HomeStream Teleprompter app.
Price & Availability
The Ikan HomeStream Smartphone Teleprompter For DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras costs $189.99 USD and it is now available to order.
Competition
Autocue Starter Series iPhone Teleprompter Package 
The Padcaster Parrot Teleprompter Kit, Portable Teleprompter for iPhone
There is a myriad of smartphone teleprompters already on the market and the quality and price of the options vary dramatically. At the high end, you have options such as the Autocue Starter Series iPhone Teleprompter Package that costs $929 USD, while at the low end you have options such as the Padcaster Parrot Teleprompter Kit, Portable Teleprompter for iPhone that costs just $99 USD.
Do you use a teleprompter? Do you have any recommendations? What do you think of teleprompters that utilize smartphones? Let us know in the comments section below.
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