November 29th, 2010
Nearly all rental projectors are equipped with certain automatic features, which may include auto focus, auto setup, auto input signal search, automatic keystone correction, and more. But should you always use the automatic features, or does it ever make sense to correct and adjust your image manually? Find out in this post as we continue our series on projectors and technical Q & A.
Automatic Focus
In nearly any situation where you’re using a projector, you will tend to use the automatic focus feature. In older devices, you may need to focus the first image manually, then the automatic focus can take over from there. In newer devices, the auto focus feature appears to work like magic, honing in on the clearest, crispest image with the touch of a button. Additionally, some projectors also feature remote focus, which allows you to use the remote control to auto focus your presentation. Once you’ve activated the auto focus feature, you will likely not need to use it again during your presentation, unless the projector is moved or repositioned.
 Auto Setup
An auto setup feature allows for easy, one-button adjustment of input and picture display, which is ideal for non-techie or occasional projector users. The auto setup feature also allows a projector to be used efficiently in multiple locations, and easily moved or repositioned. This is truly a “plug and play” feature that is appreciated by many. There is no need to perform this function manually if your rental projector is equipped with an auto setup feature.
Auto Input Signal Search
Put simply, this is an automatic feature that allows your rental projector to determine what form of input (laptop, DVD, etc.) you are using for your presentation. This feature makes setup quick and simple. If your rental projector does not have this feature, you may need to select the input manually.
Automatic Keystone Correction
This is an excellent feature, although not essential. The automatic keystone correction will ensure that your image is squared to the projection screen or surface. If your rental projector does not include this feature, then you would simply reposition the projector, the table or flat surface on which it rests, or the screen itself to remove any keystoning (a distortion of the image that appears as a trapezoid or parallelogram instead of a rectangle of square).
How can you tell which features your rental projector includes? Ask to see the specs before you rent, or look at the materials included with the rental equipment itself. Most rental projectors include a setup guide that lists the features of that specific unit.
All rental projectors from Projector123.com include automatic focus, which you will nearly always want to use. To rent your projector today, just click here to get started.
October 6th, 2010
The term “LCD” is one that most of us seem to take for granted. But what does LCD mean and why do all rental projectors from Projector123.com feature LCD technology? We continue our series on “Projectors: Your Technical Questions Answered” with this informative piece.
/>LCD stands for “liquid crystal display.” Essentially, this term is used to refer to a device that contains two transparent polarized panels, with a liquid crystal solution between them. Electricity causes light to shine through the panels from behind, and an image appears.
More specifically, polarized panels will only pass light waves in one plane, and the panels are positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other, which means light from one plane cannot pass through the other panel because of its angle. But when electricity passes through the liquid crystals, segments are switched on or off, to produce a specific image. The crystals are actually lined up in a particular way that allows the light to twist through both panels, in order to be visible on the other side.
When it comes to projectors, LCD projectors typically send light through a prism from a metal halide lamp that separates the light into colors (red, green and blue). In other words, the video signal is essentially split by color, and the prism sorts the colors and projects the specified images. How are the colors sorted? Put simply, three poly silicone panels are present (one for each color) and as the polarized light passes through the panels, individual pixels can be allowed to open up and allow light through, or close up to block the light. Combinations of open/closed pixels produce a virtually limitless range of colors and shades in the viewable image.
Of course, all this happens in such rapid succession that you never notice the delay – the images, projected so quickly, seem to “move” on the screen.
There are projectors that use other forms of technology (non-LCD) but LCD projectors are the most popular because they are lightweight and extremely portable. Typically, metal halide lamps are used for their ideal color temperature and ability to display a broad spectrum of colors. Additionally, metal halide lamps can produce a vast amount of light in a relatively small area, which makes it ideal for high-lumen outputs.
You don’t need to understand the intricacies of LCD technology to know that Projector123.com is the premier source for LCD rental projectors. Getting started is as easy as 1-2-3 – click here now to rent a projector from Projector123.com today.
September 27th, 2010
Here’s a great article we came across recently that explains in simple terms how to use an LCD projector. Remember – when you rent a projector from Projector123.com, you’ll receive a quick start setup guide, and you’ll be set up in a jiffy. Plus, our technical expert staff is always available to you 24/7 by phone throughout your entire rental period.
We found this article at ehow.com. Click to access the original article. Enjoy!
How to Use an LCD Projector
By an eHow Contributor
LCD projectors have revolutionized the audiovisual industry. With a few clicks of the mouse and strokes of the keyboard, whatever you type on your computer appears instantly on a projection screen in real time. If you have never experimented with an LCD projector, however, do not worry. You can learn how to use an LCD projector.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
1. Plug the LCD projector in to a power outlet. Completely plug the power cord in to the back of the LCD projector.
2. Use a VGA cable (usually a 15-pin male to male) to connect your computer to the LCD projector. Insert one end of the cable into the VGA connector (sometimes this connector is blue) in the back of your computer and do the same in the back of your LCD projector. If the LCD projector has more than one VGA connector, choose the one that says something like “line in” or “in from computer.”
3. Power on your laptop. Turn on the LCD projector. It may take a couple of minutes to warm up. Open the computer file or document you wish to display. When you are ready to project your image, press “Function” (Fn) plus “F8.” This combination of keys sends your computer’s display to the LCD projector.
4. Use sound to enhance your presentation. Often LCD projectors have built-in speakers. If this is the case, you may need to run an RGB cable from the LCD projector to the back of your computer. If you wish to use external speakers instead of those that are part of the LCD projector (the built-in speakers are generally of poor quality), plug the speakers directly into the headphone jack of your laptop.
5. Turn off your LCD projector properly. Usually you must press the “off” button once, and a dialog box pops up asking if you are sure you want to turn it off. Press the “off” button again, and the machine powers down. Leave the machine plugged in until the cooling fan stops. Be careful when disconnecting VGA cables from the back of the LCD projector and laptop, as the pins at the end of the cable are delicate.
6. Know some other features of your LCD projector. Most have a focus knob to make the picture clearer. If your image appears distorted (wider on one side than the other or small at the top, big at the bottom) you must adjust the keystone setting, which helps to project a rectangular image. You can fix keystone distortion manually by moving the LCD projector to position it near the center of the screen at which it is aiming.
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Click here to rent an LCD projector now from Projector123.com.
September 24th, 2010
The difference between visual and verbal presentations may seem obvious, but there’s a lot more going on “under the surface.” Read on to learn more.
As a speaker, your natural tendency is probably to choose the delivery method you’re most comfortable with. If you prefer to explain things verbally (and likewise, prefer to learn in auditory fashion), then you may tend to overlook the need for visual stimulation in the presentations you deliver.
Similarly, if you prefer to learn with visuals, you may tend to rely more heavily on visuals in your own presentations, with less emphasis on verbal delivery.
However, the important thing to remember is that people tend to learn in different ways, and the more ways you can incorporate into your presentation, the more likely your audience will be to remain engaged, understand and retain the information you present, and ultimately, appreciate you and your presentation.
With a primarily verbal presentation, the visual learners in your audience have no visual reference with which to anchor your words. Therefore, they can easily become distracted with whatever visuals are available: your clothing, your mannerisms, or what the person sitting in front of them is doing. From your perspective, this is certainly not ideal, as you want them to focus primarily on your message itself.
/>Tactile learners in the audience are often looking for something to do with their hands. Supplying handouts (or passing out product samples or other related items) is an easy way to engage the tactile learner. On your handouts, be sure to provide plenty of white space, so the tactile learners in the room can doodle, draw, make notes, and otherwise find ways to anchor your message into their minds. Without related materials to support their tactile nature, these folks are likely to be distracted by a thread hanging from their garment, emails or texts on their cell phone, or other ways to keep their hands busy.
The majority of the population is comprised of visual learners, so it pays to have a rental projector in use during your presentation. Using pertinent images to support your verbal presentation is the ideal way to support the visual and auditory learners in your audience.
The combination of verbal presentation, still or moving images in a slide show or video display format, and relevant handouts will help to ensure that you are maximizing your time in front of the audience.
To rent an LCD projector from Projector123.com, click here to get started now.
September 3rd, 2010
It’s true – Projector123.com just recently switched from two different rental projector models to the one that offers it all: the Optoma Ts526 Multimedia Projector. Get to know this new beauty and why it provides a smart switch.
Described as “versatile, bold and bright,” the Optoma TS526 projector features:
- native SVGA DLP® by Texas Instruments
- BrilliantColor™ technology
- Bright images powered by 2800 ANSI lumens
- A high contrast ratio of 3000:1 (full on/full off)
- Rapid on/off feature so you won’t keep your audience waiting
- Customizable security settings such as logo capture, control panel lock and password protection
- Wide range of connectivity options: VGA-in, VGA-out, s-video, composite video, audio-in, audio-out and RS-232
This small, sleek and stylish rental projector is ideal for business or personal use, whether you’re projecting compelling data at a sales meeting or employee training, or showcasing favorite family photos at a wedding or group celebration.
Now, instead of having to choose whether you need a high-lumen or low-lumen rental projector, you can count on the Optoma TS526 to handle it all.
That’s right! The easiest 1-2-3 projector rental company just got even easier.
More information and full specs on Optoma projectors can be found at www.Optoma.com
To rent an Optoma TS526 for your next business or personal event, choose Projector123.com for fast, hassle-free service. Click here to get started now.
September 1st, 2010
In August, 2010, the simplest online projector rental site will become even more streamlined, as Projector123.com now stocks just one completely versatile model of LCD rental projector, the Optoma TS526 Multimedia Projector.
Though the company’s headquarters are based in southern California, Projector123.com ships rental projectors to locations throughout the United States. The company provides rental projectors to consumers and business professionals alike. Typically, consumers rent projectors for special events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, birthdays, family movie nights, retirement parties, and more. Public speakers, sales representatives, pharmaceutical reps, and other business professionals rent projectors for sales meetings, corporate gatherings, employee training events, trade shows, keynote presentations, and more.
Until now, Projector123.com featured two different projector units, one with a brightness of 2000 lumens, and another with a brightness of 3000 units. The level of brightness required for a particular venue was dependent upon the viewing environment, amount of ambient light available, and audience size.
The change, which is planned to go into effect by mid-month, is expected to streamline processes even further, as consumers and business professionals will no longer need to determine which kind of projector to rent for a specific event.
“We’ve always taken pride in offering the simplest, most efficient and hassle-free way to rent a projector online,” comments company CEO Cuyler Tremayne. “One-time or infrequent users often were unfamiliar with lumen ratings, and weren’t sure which projector to rent. By streamlining to a single all-purpose projector, the process just gets even simpler, allowing anyone to rent a professional-quality projector with ease.”
The Optoma TS526 is a highly versatile multimedia projector, featuring 2800 ANSI lumens and a high contrast ratio of 3000:1. Suitable for indoor or outdoor events, the Optoma TS526 presents stunning quality images and video, and accommodates a wide range of connectivity options. Its sleek and stylish appearance make it a top choice among speaking professionals and sales reps alike, and the unit features native SVGA DLP by Texas Instruments with BrilliantColor™ Technology.
“We see this as another bold step forward,” remarks Tremayne. “Our progressive business model and stellar commitment to customer service is what continues to make us the top projector rental choice among business professionals and consumers.”
Projector123.com offers the highest quality professional projector rentals, easy setup and takedown, and rental prices including round-trip shipping start at just $129. Online rentals are as easy as 1-2-3 and are available immediately at http://Projector123.com.
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About Projector123.com
Projector123.com is a subsidiary of CRE Rentals, an established firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, providing nearly three decades of experience in the technology rental industry. Projector123.com is committed to total customer satisfaction and ease of use, exclusively specializing in rapid projector rentals. For more information, visit http://Projector123.com
August 6th, 2010
You might already know that projector rentals help enhance any presentation or group gathering, but here are our top five picks for projector rentals.
#5 – Gaming Tournament
Whether you’ve got a Wii, Xbox, or any other gaming system, why not bring the whole family together (and maybe a few friends) with a gaming tournament? Prizes don’t need to necessarily have material value…you might come up with creative ideas like “winner gets to skip chores for a day” or “losing team has to do the dishes for a week.” Have fun, get creative and make some memories.
#4 – Block Party
Now is the time to bring back the heyday of the block party — it’s easier than you think to set one up (we’ve got instructions posted here on this blog) and a rental projector allows you so showcase movies, slide shows, and anything else you like to keep the party pumping.
#3 – Photo or Video Montage
This is one of the most common reasons that people rent a projector — to showcase a photo montage or video montage at a celebratory event such as a wedding, rehearsal dinner, retirement party, graduation party, birthday celebration, etc.
#2 – Film Festival at Home
Family movie night is a fun, entertaining and wholesome way to gather the family and enjoy a great evening indoors. Let everyone choose a film, draw out of a hat, or grab the latest new release — the choice is up to you.
And our #1 top pick for rental projectors?
#1 – Surprise Someone Special
If you dread the whole “what do you want to do this weekend? I don’t know, what do you want to do” conversation, this is the perfect way to plan a fun and exciting weekend without having to do research online, think of ideas, or spend a small fortune.
Now that we’ve got your creative juices flowing, you can rent a projector and come up with your own favorite uses for this versatile piece of equipment. Click here to rent a projector, and experience the Projector123.com difference. Did you know weekend rentals start at just $99?
July 28th, 2010
We recently stumbled across this article, and thought you might appreciate reading it. Be sure to post your comments and let us know how you liked it!
LCD Projector Buying Guide
Courtesy of ArticlesBase.com
There is simply no end to innovation. As one new innovation surpasses another, technology has gradually morphed into a superior force that dominated every aspect of our lives.
Every technological innovation is measured by the dint of its output. LCD projector is the name that tops the list. Today, LCD projectors are a necessity. It is an integral part of every business meetings, seminars and conferences. The origin of LCD projectors dates back to 1971 when Gene Dolgoff for the first time used liquid crystals to modulate light. And it was in 1981 when for the first time LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors were introduced in the market. The technology behind these projectors is very complicated. A light beam sent from metal halide lamp through a prism. The prism segregates the light into three poly silicon panels for three different components of video signals. As light passes through these panels, the individual pixels are opened to pass and closed to block light. This very combination of pixels produces a wide range of colour in the projected image.
One of the best advantages of LCD projector is that it is highly portable.
The price of the portable machines are a relatively higher than its primitive counterparts.. The lightest model available till date weighs less than five pounds. While you buy a light weight LCD projector, you should not forget to consider the weight of the case where it is encased.
There are some important factors to be borne in mind while you settle for buying one.
Firstly, the screen resolution should suit your usage. The resolution that works fine for a PowerPoint presentation may be a total misfit for showing statistical data or numerical figures.
Secondly, the size of the lumen should be in conformity with the place where the projector would be used. More the number of people, the better should be the brightness of the images. A 1000 to 2000 lumen projector would work fine for a medium sized room. Again, while you are presenting something in a seminar, you need a projector with higher lumen.
While buying LCD projectors, one should go for quality. It is advisable that you go for the one that has a durable lamp. Most LCD projectors today have a lamp life of 1000hrs and this may go up to 4000hours. Replacement bulbs may ultimately cost you more in the long run. It is always better to refrain from using halogen lamps since they exhaust after 70 hours and produces a yellowish tinge on the images.
One must doubly ensure that the projector he buys is video compatible. While composite video input allows you to connect video players, component video inputs allows you to connect directly to DVD Players, digital VCRs and HDTV tuners. The HDTV(High definition television) signals are digital and supports a higher resolution.
Last but not the least; a projector should always be ideally positioned at the centre of the screen. If that is not done, the images are projected at an angle and may appear distorted. The keystone correction feature adjusts and enhances correct positioning of images.
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If this sounds too complicated (or expensive) to you, you might be better suited to simply rent a projector when you need one, instead of investing such a significant amount of funds into a make or model that could require extensive maintenance or quickly become obsolete. Click here to learn more about rental projectors from the country’s leading projector rental company: Projector123.com
July 19th, 2010
If you’re considering renting a projector for the first time, you might feel a bit overwhelmed in determining which projector to rent. Read on to see just how easy it is to select the right projector rental for your presentation.
 First, consider the environment.
No, projectors aren’t harmful to the environment – we mean consider the presentation environment (the room or facility in which you’ll be presenting). How much ambient light will be present? If you’re presenting at a trade show, you can count on bright lights and plenty of ‘em, which means you’ll likely need a high-lumen projector. The same is true if your presentation will be held outdoors during daylight hours or under bright sunlight. A 3000-lumen projector shines extra-bright, offering vivid color saturation and crisp image projection even in the brightest of conditions. If you can somehow position your display screen in the shade, it’s all the better for participant viewing.
Alternatively, if you’re presenting indoors, odds are there will be at least some ambient light (to assist your attendees in note-taking, finding their way out of the room to take a call or use the bathroom, and to help you maintain eye contact with the participants). Generally speaking, if the room is exceptionally dim (almost completely dark), then a low-lumen projector would suffice (though this is rarely the case). Most presentation environments feature dimmed ambient light, which makes a 2000-lumen projector a wise choice.
Next, consider your audience size.
Approximately how many people will be in attendance? The greater the audience, the bigger the required image for viewing. The larger the image, the higher lumen count that is required to maintain clarity of the images. Small to mid-size audiences are well-served with a 2000-lumen projector, while larger audiences (100+) require a 3000-lumen projector for crisp, clear image projection.
Finally, consider the purpose.
Specifically, what kind of material are you presenting, and in what format? Highly detailed charts or graphics may require higher lumen counts, while less detailed images and large-font text are well served with a 2000-lumen rental projector. Before you rent a projector, be sure to find out whether or not the unit is HD-compatible, if you plan to present highly detailed graphics and charts. Additionally, whether or not you plan to incorporate video or moving images can become a factor in the decision whether to select a 2000-lumen or 3000-lumen rental projector.
If in doubt, check in with the rental projector company to ask for assistance in deciding which projector to rent, and expect them to ask you about the three factors covered in this article: presentation environment, audience size, and type of material being presented. Good luck and have a great presentation!
The skilled, friendly customer service reps at Projector123.com can easily help you determine which rental projector is perfect for your next event. Click here to get started and you’ll be amazed at how easy the entire process can be!
July 7th, 2010
In this post, we continue to answer your technical questions about projectors and projector rentals. This segment’s topic is keystone correction. Learn what it is, why it’s not good, and what to do about it. 
Keystoning is what occurs when a projector is not positioned perfectly squared and centered as compared to the display screen. The keystone effect (also called the tombstone effect) distorts the projected image from a rectangular shape with 90 degree angles at the corners, to a trapezoidal shape (much like the shape of an architectural keystone; hence the name). Sometimes it is not enough to merely move the projector’s position, as keystoning can also occur with an uneven (or not-quite level) surface on which the projector is resting.
The keystone effect can also occur when the projector is properly positioned, but the screen is not. In either case, the end result is unpleasant (and often disorienting) to the viewers. Typically, the automatic focus feature is most useful only when the projector is completely centered and squared off to the screen, and with keystoning, the full frame can seldom be in focus.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to simply square off, tilt or center a projector in order to remove the keystone effect, and that’s where a keystone correction feature can be helpful.
The types of keystone correction are: manual vs. digital; and vertical vs. horizontal.
Manual keystone correction would involve either moving the projector, or manually adjusting the projector up or down, via an adjustable leg underneath the unit. Some units feature a manually adjustable lens that can offset keystoning, and this can appear in either vertical only format, or a combination of vertical and horizontal keystone correction effects.
Digital keystone correction occurs virtually automatically, allowing any image to automatically be projected with squared corners, regardless of the angle of the actual projector. This is a fairly new feature, and is not available on all projectors.
Vertical keystone correction is useful for removing the trapezoidal effect that occurs when a projector is either tilted downward or upward. Horizontal keystone correction is useful when you are projector from a non-centered point (either to the left or right of the center of the screen).
The degree of keystone correction varies from projector to projector. For example, the range of vertical keystone correction can span from just 12 degrees to a whopping 35 degrees. You can easily check the specs on your individual projector or rental projector to see what kind of keystone correction range the projector features.
The downside of using keystone correction is that it rarely produces as crisp an image as when the projector is perfectly centered and squared. Whenever possible, position your projector so that it is displaying a squared image, or use your projector’s lens shift feature. You’ll feel more confident and your audience will thank you.
Two-thousand lumen rental projectors from Projector123.com feature vertical keystone correction, while 3000-lumen rental projectors feature both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. Click here to learn more or to reserve your rental projector today.
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