Prompters|Jumbo Interview

Jumbo Interview

For years, presenters have used teleprompters to help them stay on topic and on time. Not having to memorize their speech has been a welcome relief for many public speakers. Now, the newest innovation in teleprompting is literally changing the face of the prompter landscape.

Jumbo Bright Prompters are clearly the most effective tool in the industry to solve the biggest problems with traditional teleprompters. Our revolutionary solutions are simply stunning. In fact, we recently caught up with the Jumbo 70, to find out just what makes these prompters so remarkable.

More than 7 Years in Research & Development

So, how long have you been around the industry?
Jumbo 70: Well, I guess you could say that it all started in the Summer of 2000 when I was just a glimmer in my inventor's scientific eye. And, it didn't take long for everyone to recognize my potential.
Tell us about your upbringing.
Jumbo 70: Back in 2001, during the initial formative years, they did a lot of experiments and collected a lot of data. And then eventually, just like any other techno-baby, I experienced some life-altering changes. I went through that awkward heavy big-frame stage, where it was really hard to get around. But then, they made me a little more portable – more mobile. And now, you can take me just about anywhere.
How did you become the proud Jumbo 70 Prompter we see today?
Jumbo 70: Well, they had to experiment with various combinations of projectors, screens, and components to produce the best result possible. And of course, there was all the going back and forth between the workshop and the convention centers.  I went through quite a bit of fine-tuning to make sure I could handle whatever they threw at me. And believe me, they tried everything.
It looks like your efforts have paid off. So, do you work out?
Jumbo 70: You know, a lot of event planners ask me that. The answer is yes, I do. Outdoors and in bright sunlight and of course, indoors... I work great in both places.

The Anatomy of a Jumbo Bright

I meant your body.
Jumbo 70: Oh... Yeah, I'm a real hard body... anodized aluminum. I'm freakishly strong for having such a lightweight frame. Go ahead and peek under my canvas covers. You'll find only the finest precision components and workmanship.
The first thing you'll notice is my custom thick-wall extrusions. But unlike those rough-around-the-edges types, when they designed me, the only corners they cut were those to make my edges smoother. This makes me convenient to handle and safe to carry.
You see, I'm not only rugged, but very easy to use.  With pre-drilled holes in each frame, I make the rigger's job a lot simpler. Aluminum also contributes to my sleek look and feel. I look great on the red carpet... although they prefer me at the back of the room.
Also, to get a more durable finish, each of my pieces is anodized, rather than powder-coated. That way, I'm more scratch-resistant and my telescoping poles perform better. Anodizing is like a base tan coat in the Spring before you hit the heavy tanning season of Summer. Hey, when you spend as much time in the sun as I do, you need to be prepared.
Do you ever get uptight, or hot around the collar?
Jumbo 70: No way. My lightweight collars make it easy to telescope my poles for perfect positioning. The only friction you'll notice is between speakers who fight over who gets to use me first.
Now, I heard a rumor about a couple of 200+ pound test engineers standing on your tightened collar. What's that all about?
Jumbo 70: Those rumors are true. They're always checking to see how much punishment I can take. But remember, these aren't your average collars.
Now, why the locking pins?
Jumbo 70: Having locking pins on my poles instead of bolts and screws allows for quick assembly and takedown... and helps keep my profile looking good.
So do you mind giving us your dimensions and weight?
Jumbo 70: Not at all, I'm not shy. I'm about 5 feet wide, I can stretch as high as 12 feet and I weigh in at a slimming 110 pounds
Where do you like to hang out?
Jumbo 70: Mainly from the trusses. Sometimes I like to just kick off my stands and hang by my frame. Nothing like a good rigging to keep you sharp and in the zone.
How about your projector assembly? It looks pretty slick.
Jumbo 70: Thanks, but you know, that didn't happen overnight. I've gone through quite a bit of testing and research. They've changed my light intensity, focal point, throw angle – you name it. And now, my system is patented.
Tell me what you're focused on these days.
Jumbo 70: My main focus has always been on my screen. That's where a lot of the magic happens.
I mean what have you been working on recently? I know you get around.
Jumbo 70: Well, I've been hitting the convention circuit lately. ‘Tis the season to pump up the sales force and launch those new products. Yeah, I've prompted at lots of conferences recently and I've got a full schedule coming up.
Tell me, what do you like best about your work?
Jumbo 70: I really enjoy watching presenters connect with their audience.  And I feel I'm in the best position to help them do that – whether I'm just off stage, in the middle of the room, or in the back of the hall.
Now I have heard that you're kind of private. Is that true?
Jumbo 70: Yeah, you could say that. I don't like to be placed right in front of the podium or in the middle of the stage, where I become the center of attention. And, unlike other prompters, I don't want to be read like an open book. I keep my Scriptation between me and the presenter.
So, is there ever any competition between you and the other Jumbo Bright Prompters?
Jumbo 70: No, not really. Sometimes the Jumbo 32" and the Jumbo 45" try to show off their large tempered glass, but what are you going to do? They're family.

Faster to Set Up and Break Down Than a Tent... Well, Almost

Do you break down fast?
Jumbo 70: No, I don't suffer from Speaker Separation Anxiety.
I was referring to how fast you set up and break down.
Jumbo 70: Oh. Typically, it takes 2 people about 15-30 minutes... about as long as it takes to boil an egg. People are surprised to find that a big guy like me is so easy to set up. And the nice thing is, you only need one tool to do it all. And with the 32 and 45, you only need 1 person to set up and break down.

Same Software... New Technology... Staggering Results

Do I have to buy new software to run you?
Jumbo 70: Not at all. Just route your existing prompter software to my display. You can use your same operator and your same cables. No extensive training is needed.  I've always said, if you can prompt, you can Jumbo prompt.
Do I have to toss my old teleprompter equipment?
Jumbo 70: Well, I'm a bit biased, but to be honest, you can actually mix and match your current teleprompter equipment with any of the Jumbo Prompter displays. We work in addition to... or in place of your presidential teleprompters, floor monitors, or back screens. And we promise not to talk smack to your current prompters... at least not during your event.
Can you handle other video signals?
Jumbo 70: That's not a problem. You can route Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, or full motion video from a DVD player. I can handle a VGA or BNC connection.
How flexible are you?
Jumbo 70: Well, I have been studying Yoga. And although I'm not perfect at the Exalted Warrior position, I do pretty well. I'm easy to position, pivot and "dial in" to just the right hot spot for optimal speaker viewing. And after all, making the presenters look good is all that matters.