Confidence Monitor

Understanding Confidence Monitors

Confidence monitors are essential support tools for presenters and performers, providing visual confirmation that their content is displaying correctly and helping them maintain awareness of show timing.

Confidence Monitor Functions

**Primary Uses:**

• Confirm current content display
• Show presentation notes
• Display timing information
• Preview upcoming content
• Show stage manager cues

Types of Confidence Displays

**Standard Monitor:** Simple display showing program output, often a TV or monitor on a stand at stage level.

**Teleprompter/Prompter:** Script display system, may also show confidence content.

**Floor Monitor:** Angled displays positioned at floor level facing the stage, visible to moving performers.

**Executive Prompter:** Through-glass display below camera for direct eye contact, common in broadcast.

Content Options

**Program Output:** Exactly what the audience sees on the main LED wall.

**Preview:** Shows the next slide or upcoming content.

**Timer:** Countdown clock, elapsed time, or time remaining.

**Notes View:** Presenter notes from PowerPoint or Keynote.

**Combined:** Split-screen showing multiple information types.

Technical Considerations

**Signal Distribution:**

• Loop output from processor
• DA (distribution amplifier) split
• Matrix switcher output
• Media server auxiliary output

**Resolution:** Match resolution to source or downscale for smaller displays.

**Latency:** Should match or precede main display to avoid confusion.

Placement Guidelines

**Lectern Position:**

• Just below or beside the lectern
• 24-32 inch display typical
• Minimal head movement to view
• Consider lighting reflections

**Stage Floor:**

• Angled 45-60 degrees
• Large enough for distance
• Positioned for performer sightlines
• Multiple units for wide stages

**Wings:**

• Monitors in stage wings
• Show timer and cues
• Visible during entrances/exits

Common Configurations

**Corporate Presentations:**

• Two monitors: current slide + notes/timer
• Positioned at lectern or floor
• Managed by graphics operator

**Concert/Touring:**

• Floor monitors with setlist/lyrics
• Timer displays
• Mix position mirrors

**Broadcast:**

• Prompter with confidence
• Return feeds
• Tally indicators

Best Practices

**Presenter Communication:** Discuss preferences before show:

• What information is helpful?
• Notes visible or distracting?
• Timer format preference
• Monitor positioning

**Backup:** Always have:

• Spare cables
• Backup monitor available
• Alternative signal path