May 30th, 2011
Ever wonder how the projector was created? This core piece of audiovisual technology has evolved dramatically through the years – let’s now take a look at its interesting historical beginnings.
The following is a timeline of the evolution of today’s projector.
First came the camera obscura, dating as far back as the late first century, and essentially consisting of a box with a tiny hole on one side and an angled mirror on the other. As light was shone from an external scene through the hole, the image was reverted and projected onto paper. This was originally used for tracing and drawing purposes, but the invention later led to the development of photography.
 Much later, in the mid-sixteenth century, came the “magic lantern,” an improvement over the camera obscura in that it could project images onto a screen. This invention was one of the predecessors to the invention of moving pictures.
Next came the opaque projector, the predecessor to today’s overhead projector. This device would shine a bright light onto an opaque image, after which a system of mirrors, prisms and lenses would focus the image onto a larger viewing screen.
If you were born prior to last decade and you think back to your early school days, you may recall a device known as an “overhead projector.” This device was first used for police identification work. As World War II drew to a close, the U.S. Army began to use overhead projectors for training, and the device was manufactured by 3M for later use in schools and companies during the 1950s and 60s. Overhead projectors project transparent and translucent images.
Improvements emerged when Buhl Industries (founded in 1953) created a number of optical refinements, and in 1957, the Federal Aid to Education program caused a growth in overhead sales, which continued through the late 1990s.
During the 1980s, LCD technology entered the education scene, further improving the audiovisual result of overhead projection. What began as a monochromatic, black-and-white imagery soon improved to color and improved focus, brightness and clarity.
Next, the slide projector followed, which became wildly popular during the 1950s through 1970s. With this device, photographic slides could be projected onto any wall or smooth surface.
The movie projector is based on the idea that the human brain holds an image for a fraction of a second before processing the next image. The original film projectors used single images printed onto film, but the film was projected at a speed such that it tricked the human eye into seeing motion, where in reality, only still frames existed.
Today, we rely on LCD and DLP technology as the gold standards for projectors. One can only wonder where the future will take us next.
May 27th, 2011
We recently discovered this article about the history of Memorial Day and how it’s changed throughout the years. Whether you’re planning to enjoy a long three-day weekend of barbecuing and socializing, or you prefer to rent a projector and hang out at home watching movies with the family, why not take a few minutes to appreciate the significance of this holiday and acknowledge the soldiers who have given their lives for our country. Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend from your friends at Projector123.com.
/>Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America’s wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.
More information may be found at History.com
May 25th, 2011
If you’re looking for a respectful way to honor our country’s fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, consider paying tribute to the friends and family members in your own immediate circle who have served in this country’s military. A rental projector adds just the right touch of solemnity, without creating a spectacle or breaking the bank.
While many families across the country will be planning back yard barbecues and outdoor social gatherings to enjoy a three-day weekend, it is important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, which is to honor and remember soldiers who served this country. This year, why not incorporate a special remembrance into your holiday weekend plans?
Renting a projector for the weekend can serve many purposes, including social gatherings and solemn memorials. When you rent an LCD projector, you can gather with family and friends to enjoy fun social events such as outdoor movie night or a film fest of all your favorite flicks. Rental projectors also add a fun “larger-than-life” twist to gaming competitions and home movie viewing.
 Additionally, you can use this same rental projector to honor and acknowledge the members of your family and your immediate circle of friends who have served in this country’s military. Regardless of an individual’s political position or beliefs, Memorial Day brings people together to acknowledge the service of these men and women who have died in service to their country. This need not be a depressing memorial, but rather, a celebration of life and contribution.
Begin by gathering photographs of soldiers that you knew and loved. You may even choose to invite neighbors and friends to contribute digital images of soldiers from their families and social circles. You may also choose to include people that you and the other participants knew, who were killed in the 9/11 disasters. The photos in your slide show do not necessarily need to show these men and women in their uniforms – certainly, they had interests, hobbies and relationships outside of their military services.
Once your images are compiled, begin to assemble the slideshow using a simple software package (such as iMovie on the Mac, or PowerPoint on a PC). You may wish to add music to your slideshow, and end with a slide that depicts a statement expressing gratitude or remembrance.
Once complete, you can proudly share your slide show with friends, family members, and anyone you choose. Depending on the length, you may also wish to upload your video to video sharing sites (or social networking sites) as well.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with playing and having fun during a long Memorial Day weekend, but there is also something to be said for honoring the true meaning of the holiday. Happy Memorial Day to you and yours.
May 23rd, 2011
This Sunday, May 29th marks the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and many activities will be held and televised to celebrate the event. Race fans across the USA will be gathering at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (or in front of their televisions) to witness this historical event this Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, iRacing.com has partnered with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to create additional buzz and interactive excitement around the event, with a special “race it before you watch it” online gaming feature.
 If you can’t make your way to Indianapolis to witness “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and to participate in the Indy 500 Festival, then click here now to rent a projector and watch the event right from the comfort of your own living room.
Televised events associated with this year’s Indy 500 include:
Carb Day on Friday, May 27 – full coverage on Versus with commentary provided by Bob Jenkins, Jon Beekhuis, Wally Dallenbach, Jr., and others.
Full coverage of the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 29 on ABC Sports, starting at 12:00 Noon Eastern time. Commentary will be provided by Brent Musburger, Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever, among others.
Weekend projector rentals from Projector123.com start as low as $129, including round trip shipping via FedEx. Setup is as easy as 1-2-3 with quickstart instructions included with every rental, and you don’t even need a projection screen – you can hang a solid light colored sheet, or project onto a smooth blank wall. Click here now to reserve your rental for race day and celebrate the excitement!
May 20th, 2011
Celebrating the graduation of a loved one this month? Why not give them a full weekend of fun with a rental projector from Projector123.com? From gaming competitions to movie marathons to home movies, rental projectors offer hours of endless fun and entertainment. Click here now to reserve a rental projector and let the games begin.
May 18th, 2011
Gone are the days of stuffy, boring garden parties. Today’s outdoor events are warm, welcoming and casual — if you’d like to add a true “wow” factor to your next outdoor gathering, rent a projector and let the fireworks begin.
As we enter into warmer, more pleasant weather, entertaining slowly but surely begins to move outdoors. The term “garden party” may conjure up images of refined ladies in wide brimmed hats demurely sipping iced tea or lemonade while nibbling on cucumber sandwiches. But this needn’t be the theme for your garden party. Put simply, a garden party is any gathering held outdoors, with light refreshments served.
/>Best of all, there’s no “occasion” necessary for a garden party – you can simply invite some friends and neighbors over for snacks and conversation, and there’s no need to fuss over your home being immaculate, since the group plans to gather outdoors. Today, some ladies prefer to host garden parties to get to know new neighbors, or to collect together for some “girl time.”
Whatever the reason, it’s fun and easy to incorporate a rental projector into your garden party plans. High-lumen LCD projectors function quite well in bright sunlight, or you can always choose a shaded wall or corner of the garden for your display.
If you’re wondering what to showcase with a rental projector, consider that the possibilities are endless. You might want to gather the girls for an outdoor movie with cocktails, or plan a fun and ice-breaking game, such as “guess whose baby picture this is.” Alternatively, if you’re planning to gather with friends you’ve known for some time, you can create a fast and memorable slide show featuring photos of you and all your friends.
Another great reason for a garden party is to share photographs from high school (or earlier), from one of the gal’s weddings (whether recent or not), or from a recent trip or vacation you’ve all taken together.
Likewise, a rental projector and a garden party offer a fun and unique way to pitch an idea – such as an upcoming trip or cruise together, a business venture, or a scrapbooking club. Once you begin to consider the possibilities available with a rental projector, you’ll find an endless supply of potential ideas.
When you’re ready to start planning your garden party, remember to include Projector123.com in the early planning stages. We rent only the highest quality LCD rental projectors, suitable for use in a diverse array of environments, ranging from dimly lit rooms to bright sunlight and outdoor venues. Click here to rent a projector from Projector123.com today.
May 16th, 2011
Looking to add some sizzle and pizzazz to your Memorial Day weekend festivities? For a truly unique spin on this “welcome to summer” weekend, rent a projector and let the fun begin.
Rental projectors are fun, easy to set up, and affordable for most any weekend celebration. With prices starting at just $129 including round trip shipping, it’s easy to see why more and more families are opting to skip pricey trips to crowded movie theaters in favor of long, leisurely film fests at home. Take a look at just a few of the ways you can take advantage of a Memorial Day weekend projector rental.
/>1. Family Film Fest
Rent some new releases or break out classic DVDs from your collection and gather together in the living room to watch your family’s favorites in larger-than-life vibrant color.
2. Outdoor Movie Night
Enjoy mild evening temperatures and fresh air with an outdoor movie fest in your own back yard. All you’ll need is a large light colored sheet or a blank wall and a rental projector and you’re ready to roll. The more the merrier, so why not let the kids invite some friends over for this relaxed movie atmosphere?
3. Gaming Competition
Gather family and friends for a little healthy competition on your Wii or other favorite gaming device. Why not level the playing field by renting games no one in the family has yet mastered? Consider awarding a prize such as: winner gets to skip chores for a whole day, sleep in, or choose the next family activity. Go ahead, go crazy!
Whether you choose just one or all three, it all starts with a visit to Projector123.com to reserve your projector. Our LCD rental projectors are all professional-grade units, and include a quickstart guide with easy set up instructions. Best of all, the shipping carton doubles as a carrying case and return shipping is prepaid, so you’ll soon see how easy it is to rent from Projector123.com. Click here now to reserve yours today for a fun and affordable Memorial Day weekend.
May 13th, 2011
As we near the peak of summertime wedding season, you may find yourself in a position to plan a wedding shower for a relative or close friend in the near future. Here are our best tips for making it memorable.
 Surprise! (Or Is It?)
One of the most basic questions to answer while planning a bridal shower is whether or not you want it to be a surprise. Be sure to consider the bride and her personality and wishes, not just your own! Some people absolutely love surprises, while others most certainly do not. Additionally, some people are downright impossible to surprise. Another factor to consider is the additional work that goes into creating a surprise shower – you’ll most likely have to involve the groom, create a diversion, and remind everyone to keep it under wraps.
To Theme or Not to Theme?
Next, think about whether or not you’d like to create a theme to the shower. A theme is not necessary, but it can be a fun way to tie things all together. Some sample bridal shower themes are: his and hers; around the clock; lingerie; barware; kitchen shower; linens and things; garden party; etc.
Couples, or Just Girls?
More and more couples are experiencing joint showers, where couples are invited and the groom gets to participate in the fun. This type of shower is most appropriate when the couple’s friends are mainly comprised of other couples.
Make It Special
The more personal touches you can add to a bridal shower the better. Don’t think she won’t notice that the ink on the invitation envelopes was her favorite color, or that the centerpiece was made from her favorite flower. For a true wow-factor element, rent a projector and display a custom made slide show of the bride and her courtship with the groom. Remember to include pictures of her with her family members, because the mother of the bride deserves a little recognition, too!
When you’ve set the date for the wedding shower, the next step is to reserve an LCD projector for rent from Projector123.com. Discover why so many people choose Projector123.com for all their projector rental needs. Click here to get started now.
May 11th, 2011
Welcome back to part two of our two-part series on planning audiovisuals for your upcoming wedding and/or associated festivities. In our prior installment, we looked at when to rent a projector, how to create the outcome you desire, and the pros and cons of soliciting help with your project. In today’s installment, we’ll address the logistics of putting it all together for the main event.
Step 4: Creating a Video Montage
This step may be somewhat time consuming, but it is often easier than it sounds. Even a person with no experience in this arena can create a stylish and sophisticated slide show relatively quickly and easily. First, gather all the images you’d like to use. If you plan to use baby photos and other older images, you will need to scan photos to gain digital images. Once you have all your images gathered, begin to put them in the sequence you desire. You may prefer to start with childhood and work your way forward to present day, but this is not absolutely necessary. Once you’ve got the sequence selected, consider what music you’d like to associate with the slide show, and gather those songs or soundtracks. Now you’re ready to begin assembling your slide show, so you’ll need some kind of software, which can be as simple as Microsoft PowerPoint. Add the images, ensure the order is correct, create an opening and closing slide, add transitions, and insert the music. Once you’ve reviewed your slide show and it meets with your satisfaction, burn it to a DVD (it’s a good idea to make at least one backup copy, though you may want a few extra copies for parents and other loved ones) and you are ready to go!
Step 5: Decide on the “When”
Next, it’s time to decide when is the most optimal time to showcase your slide show. For a slightly less formal wedding reception, you might consider letting the images run on a loop throughout the reception. Or, you may prefer to attract everyone’s attention and fun the montage just once during your rehearsal dinner. Depending on who is attending what event, it may be appropriate to run your slideshow more than once during the different festivities. Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to make some notes about which events and at what point during the events (after the toasts, continuously, during dessert, etc.) you’d like it shown.
Step 6: Inform the Players
The last step is to inform the appropriate personnel about what you’ve decided. For example, tell the banquet coordinator at the restaurant where your rehearsal dinner will be held (and explain that you’ve already arranged for a rental projector, but you’ll need a screen or blank wall), the reception hall, the maid of honor, etc. Lastly, remember to bring the DVD (and a backup, just in case) or entrust this task to your most responsible friend or family member.
Your wedding is the most special time of your life, and when you choose to celebrate the occasion with images and visual memories, trust Projector123.com to supply your rental projector. You can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality rental projector, with easy 1-2-3 setup instructions in ample time for your event. Click here to reserve a rental projector for your special day right now.
May 9th, 2011
In the U.S., summer months are by far the most popular season for wedding celebrations. If you’re planning a wedding in the upcoming weeks and months, it’s not too late to add a dramatic and tasteful slide show or photo montage to your nuptial celebration. Here are our best tips (in a two-part segment) for audiovisual support during wedding season.
Step 1: Get Started Now
Once you decide to create a photo or video slideshow, go ahead and reseve your rental projector immediately. After all, the only reason to delay this step would be if you were awaiting confirmation on a date, and most folks set their wedding date nearly a year in advance. Reserving a rental projector now means one more to-do item crossed off your massive list.
 Step 2: Imagine the Outcome
One of the best ways to create audiovisual support that suits you personally and fits in with your celebration is to begin by thinking about how you’d like it to appear. Does your rehearsal dinner need a slide show to enliven the mood? Does the family of your betrothed wish to get to know everyone better? Do you need some kind of dramatic display at the reception, or the morning-after brunch? A montage can be just the ticket for adding drama, deepening rapport, filling in backstory, or providing a lively focal point.
Step 3: To Help or Not to Help?
Next, consider whether or not you’d like to delegate all or part of this responsibility (or simply collaborate with a partner or two) or handle it yourself. Odds are, there is someone in your family or close circle of friends who has a knack for (and love of) this kind of creation, and they would almost certainly be delighted to assist. Then again, you might prefer to hold the content a surprise and therefore keep it under tight wraps. The choice is entirely up to you, but be sure to consider your skill set – are you capable of putting together the kind of slide show you’ve been envisioning?
In the next segment, we’ll look at logistics of putting it all together and pulling it off. Be sure to return next time for the conclusion of this wedding audiovisual planning series.
In the meantime, why not take a moment now to reserve your rental projector? It’s easy to do, and just takes a minute when you start by clicking here to access Projector123.com.
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