August 4th, 2010
Temperatures on the East Coast are still sizzling, and so far, 2010 is slated to be the warmest year since temperatures were first recorded in 1880. Find out how you can beat the heat with indoor fun and a rental projector.
+ Film Festival
Who hasn’t wanted to host their own film fest? Whether you choose to critique films, or just enjoy them, everyone loves family movie night. Pop some popcorn, pull up the ottomans (or break out the sleeping bags) and snuggle together on the sofa.
+ Create Your Own Film
With a simple hand-held video camera, you can create your own films. From home movies to character actors, the possibilities are unlimited. Drop your creations down to DVD and showcase with a rental projector for your very own “opening weekend” celebration.
+ Grab a New Game
Nothing keeps the kids entertained like video games, and what better way to bring the whole family together than with the fun and friendly competition of video games? Renting or buying a brand new game certainly levels the playing field — especially if you’ve got kids that quickly dominate any game they attempt!
When you rent a projector and keep yourself cool, you’ll find it much more cost-effective (and eco-friendly) than spending the whole weekend playing in the sprinklers on the lawn!
Ready to enjoy the cool, comfortable air conditioning and beat that nasty heat wave? Click here to rent a projector from Projector123.com and let the cool times begin. Projector123.com is your number one choice for in-home rental projectors — we’ll overnight a projector to you, complete with quick start setup instructions, and when your rental is complete, just affix the prepaid FedEx shipping label, pop it all back in its container and call FedEx for pickup (or drop it into the nearest FedEx drop box). It really is that simple!
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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 26th, 2010
We hope you are enjoying this three-part series on coordinating a successful family reunion. In this final installment, we’ll look at planning food options and making the event memorable for all who attend.
Step 5: The Food
There are many different options available for this aspect of your family reunion. If you’re hosting just a one- or two-day event, it might be easiest to ask each family to bring a few prepared dishes to share. If so, you’ll want to make sure that everyone doesn’t bring repeats of the same dish, and that there are ways to heat up food or keep it cool (as appropriate). One fundraiser idea might be to create a family cookbook from each person’s favorite family recipe. It seems to work best to have just one person in charge of the cookbook project.
If your event is longer, or your family members aren’t much for cooking, then you can make arrangements with restaurants, or bring in a local catering service to provide meals. No matter which option you choose for feeding your reunion participants, this will likely factor into the budget in a significant way.
Step 6: The Memories
Can you picture it? Tender moments shared between great-grandma and the newest family member, just a few months old…All the cousins playing volleyball in the sun…Nana and her sisters laughing right out loud…these are the images that we love to remember and cherish from family gatherings, and what better way to preserve the moments than with a photo montage at the event?
Every family reunion deserves to have a nostalgic journey down memory lane, complete with photos of key events, family members, and memories of days gone by. You can put one of two committee members in charge of creating the video montage, and they it’s easy to arrange for a rental projector to showcase the images at your event.
You can either set your videos to music, or let the band or DJ play throughout the showing.
If you’re feeling extra-creative (or you have a technically savvy person on your planning committee), they can easily create a photo montage from images captured during the reunion itself. Schedule a showing towards the end of the event, and be sure to include candid shots as well as composed images.
If you want to take it a step further, burn the montage to DVD and sell extra copies at cost (or build it into the cost of admission and send each adult home with a copy). It’s a simple way to help the memories last a lifetime.
Ready to rent a projector for your family reunion? It’s as easy as 1-2-3 when you choose Projector123.com for all your rental projector needs. We’ll even ship your LCD projector to the exact place you need it. Just click here to get started now.
July 23rd, 2010
In the prior installment, we looked at considerations for crafting the guest list, as well as choosing a committee to assist you in planning this event. In this next installment, we’ll cover two key factors: choosing a location and setting a budget.
 Step 3: The Location, Date and Time
This is where it really pays to poll some of your family members before selecting a location. Consider where most of your family members live, how easy it is for them to travel, and be sure to consider the size of your event before selecting a location.
The venue chosen may dictate available times for your event, but when choosing a date, be sure to pick a weekend when the children are off of school (if travel is required). If all of your family members live within fairly close proximity of each other (less than a day’s drive, for example), any weekend should be fine. Keep in mind that major holiday weekends like Labor Day typically mean higher travel expenses for folks (with increased lodging costs and fuel prices), as well as a likelihood of a venue booking up early.
One easy way to poll your family members is by using a free tool called SurveyMonkey.com. Alternatively, your committee co-members can call or email family members directly to gauge interest in the venue as well as the date / time.
Once a firm date is selected and the venue is booked, you can send out a “save the date” announcement, to help your out-of-town family members begin planning their trip and making necessary arrangements for traveling to the reunion. This also helps to build interest, and you may discover that new committee members volunteer themselves once the “save the date” card is received.
Step 4: The Budget
Consider the majority of your family here (not just your own financial situation). Can folks afford to pay for admission to the reunion, and if so, how much? Again, this is a step where it would be important to poll family members rather than making assumptions. Once you have a general idea how much folks are willing and able to pay for their participation, you can begin to form a budget, to ensure that you plan an appropriate event. If it’s going to be a high-ticket event (for example, a family cruise), be sure to give people plenty of time to plan for the added expense, and to begin saving.
Remember that unless you use an email invitation service like evite.com and a free internet calling service like Skype, you will likely have administrative expenses for postage, invitation, save-the-date postcards, nametags, decorations, and long distance fees. Some families hold fundraising events for such expenses, while others simply build it into the cost of participation.
In our next and final installment, we’ll look at two things everyone remembers from any major gathering: the food, and the memories made there.
In the meantime, as soon as you’ve set the time and date for your reunion, be sure to visit Projector123.com to reserve your rental projector for your event. There’s no need to lug it around during travel, because Projector123 can ship your projector rental directly to the location of your event (or even to the home of the closest relative). Click here to get started now.
July 21st, 2010
If you’ve decided to take the reigns and plan a family reunion this year, here are some simple steps to help you get started and to ensure that your gathering is a raging success.
 Step 1: The Guest List
Essentially, this part of the planning process is all about how big you envision the reunion to be. Will you include just 3 generations of a single family (grandparents, parents, children), or will you extend the reach to both sides of the family (grandparents and their siblings, parents and their children and grandchildren; and parents’ siblings, children and grandchildren)?
In planning your guest list, you might consider how often the families get together currently. Has it been awhile since the last wedding (or funeral) where all the cousins got together? Does it seem like the family is “due” for another get-together, with nothing on the books as of yet?
Additionally, consider where the potential attendees are located geographically. Perhaps it would be easier to get one side of the family together in one location, and plan a separate, future gathering for the other side of the family in another location. Alternatively, if people in your family love to travel or in good enough health to make a trip, then the more the merrier.
In planning your guest list, it really comes down to what kind of event you (and your family) would most like to attend.
Step 2: The Committee
Planning a family reunion can be an arduous task, and while it’s sure to be well worth the effort, there’s no reason to think you’ve got to plan it alone. Solicit assistance from cousins and other family members who are willing to help create a successful event. In choosing who to approach for assistance, consider these useful attributes:
- enjoys talking on the phone, connecting with family members
- wields influence in the family, especially among other key family members
- possesses resources like free time, extra funds, excellent cooking skills, savvy organizational skills, event planning experience, etc.
- is easy to work with, is reliable, is well-organized and resourceful
If the family is spread far and wide, consider that it’s not necessary for the committee members to gather for a physical, in-person meeting. Much of the planning and legwork can be done via phone or email, and your role as the event coordinator is to delegate tasks and follow up with committee members to ensure they have what they require (and are completing their assigned tasks successfully). Though it’s your duty to ensure follow-through, remember that planning this event should be fun and lighthearted, so don’t become a taskmaster or you might soon find your committee disintegrating! Keep the mood light and bright and remember to acknowledge and appreciate your co-coordinators’ efforts.
Be sure to join us for part 2 of “How to Coordinate a Family Reunion.” In the meantime, it’s not too early to visit Projector123.com and see what kinds of rental projectors are available for your event. Click here to learn more.
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 13th, 2010
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming wedding celebration, family reunion, employee picnic, or anniversary party, any event becomes even more special with the addition of a photo montage. It’s so easy to rent a projector and showcase your clever montage – read on to find out how you can get started now.
 Gather the Images
The first step in creating your montage involves collecting the images you’d like to use. If the images are already in digital format, you’ll be finished in a jiffy. If you’re using physical photos, you’ll need to digitally scan each photo before you can assemble your montage. If you don’t have the time or technical skills to manage this step, there are many services who can do it for you (including the photo centers at most drug store chains, like CVS and Walgreens).
Know Your Platform
Next, you’ll want to choose which software or service you’d like to use to create your montage. If you’re using a PC, Microsoft Publisher or Windows Movie Maker offer a fast and easy tool for creating a montage of photographs. If you’re on a Mac, you can use iMovie or iPhoto to create your slideshow in a snap. If you are already familiar with PowerPoint, you can even create your slideshow using the PowerPoint application (in either the Mac or the PC platform).
Alternatively, you can use an online service like Smilebox.com or FunPhotoBox.com, which allow you to import your photos and create a montage using their pre-loaded templates, music and more.
Set It to Music
The next step involves choosing music for your slideshow. It’s easy to tie music to your montage using any of the above-listed software applications or online services.
Have fun creating your photo montage, and be sure to visit Projector123.com to rent a projector so that everyone can enjoy your slideshow at your upcoming event. Click here to get started now.
June 30th, 2010
Let’s face it – everyone is in sales. From the neighborhood babysitter who wants to pack her weekend sitting schedule to the CPA who wants more clients, even non-sales positions require plenty of sales savvy in this economy. Here are some tips for simple ways to win clients and influence prospects.
Professionalism
While it’s true that our culture seems to lean more towards the casual aspect of life, business, and social interactions, that doesn’t mean professionalism should be tossed out the window. Even if your business has adopted a more casual culture in terms of dress, marketing materials, and conversation, professionalism remains an essential component of effective sales. Simple details such as promptness, courtesy, appropriate language, and a can-do attitude can go a long way towards signing your next deal.
Authenticity
Everyone likes to buy, but nobody likes to be sold. This is where authenticity can become your greatest asset. In our society, there is often a distinct lack of authenticity (this is what makes your skin crawl when talking to a smarmy salesman). People appreciate honesty, candor, and a true sense of self. False bravado, empty compliments, and a fake smile are not the tools to close more deals.
Integrity
Put simply, integrity means doing what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. And yet, it’s shocking how few people in the business realm can truly be accountable to their promises. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, and be sure to keep the promises you make. This simple yet profound practice will surely set you apart from your competition.
Helpfulness
The greatest salespeople in the world know that the easiest way to close more sales is to solve people’s problems. This requires getting to know your prospects first, talking to them, doing some research, and finding out what make them tick and what kind of problems they need to have solved. Solve a person’s problems and you’ve got a client for life.
You can use a rental projector to exhibit professionalism and display authenticity and integrity about your products and services. To rent a projector for your next sales meeting or presentation, click here to get started.
June 21st, 2010
If you earn your living by conducting product demonstrations and live presentations, you deserve to know how a rental projector can enhance your presentation and create more sales.
It’s cliché but it’s true – a picture really is worth 1,000 words. And video is worth exponentially more – that’s why it just makes sense to use an LCD rental projector if you’re hosting a live presentation or product demo. When your group size exceeds about a half-dozen observers, you don’t want people jostling for room just so they can see what you’re demonstrating.
With nothing more than a laptop or video camera and a rental projector, you can transmit larger-than-life images of your live demo so that everything can see what you’re doing. From cooking demonstrations to network marketing presentations to gadget demos, there are countless industries and sales reps who can benefit from adding a rental projector to their live demo.
If you’re just starting out, it helps to video your presentation and review the video to find ways to improve it. Video has an uncanny way of capturing those things that we tend to tune out, such as stammers, verbal irritations (um, like, you know), physical irritations (fidgeting, hands in pockets, fussing with hair or clothing), and swaying, to name a few.
Plus, using an LCD rental projector tends to attract more folks who are curious and can spot you from across the store, the festival, or the trade show floor. More viewers ultimately means more sales, and more money in your pocket.
And with weekend rental rates starting as low as just $99, can you really afford not to use a rental projector?
 Now it’s true that you might not be demonstrating the latest Microsoft creation, but you can still generate sales and work the room like a pro with a rental projector from Projector123.com. Click here to get started.
June 7th, 2010
For many business professionals, networking events are essential business building tools. Here are some pointers to help your business truly stand out at your next networking event.
1. Use audiovisual support
Something as simple as a rental projector can really help you make a splash and create an impact at your next business building event. A splash of video or even slide show images can draw more people to your booth, giving you access to more potential customers and clients. Be sure to follow up your audiovisual impact with brochures, information, or takeaway materials that your prospects can review once they’ve left your station.
2. Follow up with everyone
It seems so obvious, right? However, this is the number one mistake people make when participating in any kind of networking or business building event. If you’re going to take the time to collect data and business cards from potential clients, then it just makes sense to take the time to follow up with each person after the event. A conversation can begin with something as simple as “Hi John, this is Susan Grant. We met at the [NAME OF EVENT] this past Saturday. I enjoyed speaking with you and I know I can assist you in solving your [PROBLEM DISCUSSED]. Give me a call and let’s brainstorm how we can get that issue resolved for you. The best number to reach me is [TELEPHONE NUMBER]. Talk to you soon!”
3. Focus on quality
Depending on the size of the networking event you’re attending, you might not meet everyone in the room. Consider that it’s far more productive to have a few in-depth conversations with just a handful of potential clients, rather than simply shake hands and exchange cards with everyone in the room. Get to know the people you have conversations with – find out what their business problems are, and look for ways you can be of assistance. In these conversations, focus on quality rather than quantity – and let the other person do most of the talking. You’ll learn more about them and it will make more of an impact when you speak to offer a solution, rather than simply talking about how great you and your business are.
Gearing up for your next networking event? Remember to rent a projector from Projector123.com, the country’s best and most professional rental projector company in the industry today. Click here to reserve your rental projector now.
« Previous Entries
Next Entries »
|
|
|
|
|
©2009 Projector123.com
All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
