Telescript
Telescript International manufactures teleprompter hardware and software for television, film, and public speaking applications. Founded in 1958, it serves broadcast networks, teleprompting service providers, corporate and government speakers globally via direct sales and a worldwide dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1958
- HeadquartersTappan, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Telescript does
Telescript International, founded in 1958 as Telecync in New Jersey and rebranded under current ownership in 2013, manufactures professional teleprompter hardware and software for television, film, and public speaking applications. The company operates from a single headquarters in Tappan, New York, where hardware components are hand-machined in-house, producing studio systems (FPS series), portable Fold & Go units, public-speaking systems (PRS, MPS), PTZ and robotic systems (ROBO, DV8, two-part robotic), and a TelescriptIP line of NDI-certified monitors and 4K displays with SDI, HDMI, VGA, and composite inputs. The software portfolio comprises four perpetual-licensed applications — TelescriptPRO ($3,995, MOS-compatible with ENPS, Octopus, iNews, Blaze, DALET), TelescriptAV ($1,579), TelescriptTECH ($995), and TelescriptMAX ($895, MacOS-compatible) — protected via USB dongle security keys, with timed rentals available for short-term use.
The company's business model combines hardware sales (priced via quote) and perpetual software licenses with maintenance renewals, plus a smaller recurring stream from timed rentals and accessories. Telescript sells through its own e-commerce website, a direct sales team, and a global authorized dealer network spanning North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Customers are primarily professional teleprompting service providers, broadcast networks, corporate and government speakers, and live-event producers. The O'Brien family owns the company alongside sister firm VIP Prompting, and the team — fewer than 10 employees — includes tenure exceeding 40 years for key technical staff, including Master Machinist Bob Helder (since 1978).
Telescript firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Telescript
- Legal name
- Telescript International
- Website
- https://telescript.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1958
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Telescript International manufactures teleprompter hardware and software for television, film, and public speaking applications. Founded in 1958, it serves broadcast networks, teleprompting service providers, corporate and government speakers globally via direct sales and a worldwide dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Telescript industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Teleprompting Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)
- SIC
- Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Timing, Synchronization & Precision Clocking (PTP, Genlock) (MPAHAKAL)
Keywords
Where Telescript is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tappan
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Telescript business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Teleprompter Hardware Sales: Sale of teleprompter systems including Studio Systems, Fold & Go portable systems, Public Speaking systems (PRS, MPS), PTZ systems, and ROBO widescreen systems. Hardware includes monitors with various input options (SDI, NDI, HDMI, VGA, Composite).
- Software Licenses (Perpetual): Perpetual software licenses sold with USB dongle security keys. Four versions offered: TelescriptMAX ($895), TelescriptAV ($1,579), TelescriptTECH ($995), TelescriptPRO ($3,995). License renewals available for 1-3 year terms.
- Timed License Codes: Short-term rental licenses available for 1-2 weeks. MAX: $145-$245, AV: $195-$295, PRO: $295-$395.
- Scroll Controllers and Accessories: Sale of hardware controllers (UHC100, UHC200, XK12, WiFi-Hand, WiFi-Foot, WiFi-Base) and accessories (riser blocks, quick release adapters, custom travel cases, replacement beamsplitters, tally devices, clock displays).
- Software Bundles (Combos): Bundled packages combining software licenses with hardware controllers at various price points, including TECH Combo ($1,230), AV Combo ($2,110), and MAX Packs with UHC or XK12 controllers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Telescript MAX (MacOS) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Telescript AV (Windows) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Telescript TECH (Windows) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Telescript PRO / ProNews (Windows) |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Scroll Controllers |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | MAX Software Bundles |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Accessories |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Telescript product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Telescript designs, manufactures, and sells professional teleprompter hardware systems (studio, portable/fold-and-go, public speaking, PTZ/robotic) and complementary prompting software (TelescriptPRO, AV, MAX, TECH) used by television broadcasters, film crews, and public speakers. Hardware is handcrafted at the Tappan, NY headquarters, and software is offered as perpetual licenses with optional timed rentals, MOS newsroom integration, and NDI IP-based monitor support.
Product overview
Telescript International provides professional teleprompting solutions across hardware and software. The product portfolio includes four software versions: TelescriptPRO (top-tier with MOS newsroom integration), TelescriptAV (most popular mid-tier), TelescriptMAX (MacOS compatible), and TelescriptTECH (entry-level). Hardware spans Studio Systems, Fold & Go portable units, Public Speaking systems (including motorized MPS versions), and the TelescriptIP line with NDI-enabled monitors and 4K displays. Supporting accessories include scroll controllers (UHC100, UHC200, XK12, WiFi variants), ClockOne, TallyOne, and replacement components. Founded in 1958, the company operates from Tappan, New York, with over 60 years of industry experience.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- TelescriptPRO (ProNews) Professional-grade prompting software with MOS newsroom system integration (ENPS, Octopus, iNews, Blaze, Dalet), designed for demanding broadcast operator configurations.
- TelescriptAV Mid-tier Windows prompting software offering versatile feature set, single or multi-script mode, customizable attributes, and many PRO-level features.
- TelescriptMAX Professional prompting software for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) with runlist interface, FLIP text-flipping technology, MOS connectivity, live edit feature, and browser-based mobile scroll controller.
- TelescriptTECH Entry-level Windows prompting software with single-script interface, REFLEX text-flipping, and an easy learning curve while retaining comprehensive prompting features.
- FPS Studio Systems In-studio teleprompter systems with large hoods for box lens use, available in 12", 15", 17", and 19" highbrite monitor sizes.
- Fold & Go Systems Award-winning portable teleprompter systems providing ultimate portability for lightweight in-field use, available in 12", 15", 17", and 19" sizes; semi-rigid hood/mask design unchanged since 1978.
- PRS Public Speaking Systems Easy-to-transport, low-profile, full-sized public speaking teleprompter systems in 15", 17", and 19" sizes with quick setup.
- MPS Motorized Public Speaking Systems Motorized telescoping public speaking teleprompter systems with bases that telescope from 20 inches to 82 inches for adjustable presenter height.
- DV8 On-Location System Lightweight handheld and Steadicam teleprompter system at only 4 pounds, designed for applications requiring an ultra-lightweight unit.
- Expert Systems Fully integrated studio prompting systems with reference displays, ClockOne, and TallyOne for professional broadcast applications.
- ROBO210 Wide Screen Systems 16x9 wide-angle prompting systems designed for PTZ cameras, enabling maximum tilt, pan, and zoom capabilities while behind prompter glass.
- PTZMini Compact teleprompter system designed for smaller PTZ cameras with a small footprint and 15" NDI monitor option.
- Two Part Robotic Systems Two-part prompting system designed for robotic camera heads, distributing weight between front and back for weight-sensitive heads.
- TelescriptIP NDI Monitors IP prompter monitors with NDI support plus SDI, Analog, VGA, and HDMI inputs, capable of decoding high bandwidth NDI, NDI|HX2, and NDI|HX3. NDI Certified.
- 4K 12G-SDI IP Display 23.8" 4K display with NDI connectivity and 12G-SDI, HDMI, and analog inputs; NDI Certified for seamless IP ecosystem integration.
- NDI Decoder Boxes NDI Certified decoder boxes capable of decoding high bandwidth NDI signals as well as NDI|HX2 and HX3 automatically.
Quantifiable outcome
- Hardware lasting 20-25 years in daily professional use
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Telescript
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Telescript technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature6 records
Telescript partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Villrich CommunicationscoreEuropean distributor for Telescript products. Has been distributing Telescript equipment for a couple of years with outstanding approach and service from their team. Quality and functionality of products rated as top-notch.
- VIP PromptingcoreSister company with Telescript. Chris O'Brien and James O'Brien co-own both companies. VIP Prompting was founded by Jack O'Brien in 1966. Chris worked as full-time operator for VIP Prompting before purchasing Telescript in 2013. VIP Prompting and Telescript work together serving clients including U.S. and foreign presidents and dignitaries.
- AutoPodminorMentioned in NAB Show social media posts as collaborative partner at trade shows.
- 1Source VideominorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 844-270-2442.
- AdoramaminorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 800-233-2500.
- BhphotoviewminorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 800-482-8143.
- Focus CameraminorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 800-221-0828.
- FORTÉ (AVI Systems)minorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 855-825-6030.
- ITSminorMexico-based authorized dealer for Telescript products.
- Keycode MediaminorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 818-303-3900.
- OnediversifiedminorNorth American authorized dealer for Telescript products. Phone: 844-767-2738.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Telescript competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Autoscript: Autoscript (owned by Vitec Group) is a leading teleprompter manufacturer serving broadcast and live production. It is the most direct competitor to Telescript with overlapping studio, on-location, and integrated prompting systems, though with substantially larger R&D and distribution.
- Ikan: Ikan designs and sells professional teleprompters, monitors, and broadcast accessories. It competes with Telescript across studio and field prompting, including PTZ-focused systems.
- Prompter People: Prompter People manufactures teleprompter systems targeted at broadcasters, churches, corporate, and live events. It overlaps with Telescript's product portfolio, particularly in portable and on-location prompting.
- CueScript: CueScript manufactures professional teleprompter systems and software for broadcast, corporate, and live events. It competes head-to-head with Telescript in studio and on-location prompting, including IP-based prompting offerings.
- Listec Prompting: Listec Prompting builds teleprompter hardware and software for broadcast and corporate applications. It is a direct peer serving the same prompt operator and studio customer base as Telescript.
Others
- AVS Group (Autoscript reseller network): Large broadcast equipment resellers (e.g., B&H Photo, Adorama, Keycode Media) carry competing teleprompter brands alongside Telescript products. They are relevant channel partners and competitive proxies rather than direct manufacturers.
Broad incumbents
- Vinten (Vitec Group): Vinten, a Vitec Group brand, provides camera support and robotic systems used alongside prompting setups. Its studio and robotic camera offerings intersect with Telescript's PTZ/robotic prompting systems.
- Datavideo: Datavideo is a broader broadcast and AV equipment manufacturer offering teleprompters among a wider portfolio. It serves similar customer segments (broadcasters, houses of worship, education) but as a multi-product vendor rather than a prompting specialist.
- Marshall Electronics: Marshall Electronics manufactures broadcast-grade monitors and display solutions. Its monitors are sometimes integrated into prompting setups, making it an adjacent competitor and complement to Telescript's monitor-based prompting systems.
Emerging players
- BirdDog: BirdDog specializes in NDI-based video over IP cameras, converters, and workflow tools. As the NDI ecosystem expands, BirdDog represents a complementary and partially overlapping player with Telescript's NDI prompting monitors.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Telescript social profiles
Digital presenceTelescript financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Telescript leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Telescript funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Telescript M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Telescript
What does Telescript do?
Telescript designs, manufactures, and sells professional teleprompter hardware systems (studio, portable/fold-and-go, public speaking, PTZ/robotic) and complementary prompting software (TelescriptPRO, AV, MAX, TECH) used by television broadcasters, film crews, and public speakers. Hardware is handcrafted at the Tappan, NY headquarters, and software is offered as perpetual licenses with optional timed rentals, MOS newsroom integration, and NDI IP-based monitor support.
Is Telescript a public or private company?
Telescript is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Telescript founded?
Telescript was founded in 1958. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Telescript based?
Telescript is headquartered in Tappan, United States, in the North America region.
How does Telescript make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Teleprompter Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses (Perpetual), timed License Codes, scroll Controllers and Accessories and software Bundles (Combos).
Who are Telescript's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Autoscript, Ikan, Prompter People, CueScript and Listec Prompting. AVS Group (Autoscript reseller network) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Vinten (Vitec Group), Datavideo and Marshall Electronics. BirdDog is listed as an emerging player.
Does Telescript have an API?
No public API is recorded for Telescript.
What industry is Telescript in?
Telescript's product category is Professional Teleprompting Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAKAL, Timing, Synchronization & Precision Clocking (PTP, Genlock). Its NAICS code is 33431 and its SIC code is 3577.