Digital Projector Rental

When considering digital projector rental for a business presentation, there are a few things to contemplate. Presentations done with these projectors are quite popular, for good reasons. Although many business' budgets do not permit the purchase of even a used digital projector, this does not necessarily mean that one is stuck with its older relative, the overhead transparency projector, for making a presentation. Projectors may be rented easily, with fairly reasonable expense. A warning must be issued, however. When a person sees the quality of the presentation, he or she may be ruined forever as far as being willing to settle for anything less in giving future presentations! Consider the price and features of the equipment, and decide whether to rent or purchase one for company needs.

First, some background is in order. It is helpful to see how things have developed and where they are heading so that prudent choices can be made. Digital projectors, as mentioned above, are the latest in a line which includes transparency projectors. While transparency projectors work by shining light through a slide or film, digital models project an image directly from the computer, through a lens and onto a screen. There were CRT and Eidophor projectors. The Eidophor models were an early form of digital projectors, but they were capable of forming a color image far brighter than other technology of the time. Because of continued technological advances, these are no longer a viable option when considering a digital projector rental.

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) digital projectors were developed, with three main configurations. The projector could have a RGB (red, green and blue) color tube with a lens, one black and white tube with a rotating color wheel, or three RGB color tubes with a lens for each. Regardless of the configuration, the resulting image was about 6-12 inches and was then magnified with a lens onto a large screen. One problem is that CRT projectors are heavy and bulky, and therefore much more suitable for operating in a fixed location rather than being carted around from place to place. In certain businesses with a global reach, that could be a real handicap. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) digital projectors were developed next. These are much lighter and portable, which along with a clear and defined picture (even at large projection sizes) made them a very popular choice when buying a new or used digital projector. The LCDs used in these projectors are about the size of a slide, and the projectors operate much like a slide show with a constantly changing image. In fact, in both CRT and LCD projectors, the light shines through the image to project it.

The latest class of projector utilizes a reflective projector, which is able to provide an extremely high image quality. The technology used is known as Digital Light Processing (DLP). This uses a mirror for every pixel. As the mirrors are repositioned to allow light on a screen or prevent light from reaching the screen, the image is produced. Many theatres use DLP for their projectors. Even at large screen sizes, the images are of extremely high quality. Although some companies which provide digital projector rental equipment maintain that they can not tell the difference between LCD and DLP presentations, this news is met with some skepticism. This author would probably choose a used digital projector which has DLP rather than a LCD projector.

Speaking of renting a used digital projector, be sure to think about the presentation before an order is placed. Consider the place where the presentation will be made. Is it a small room, which may easily be darkened, or a larger venue where ambient light could be a factor? Will everyone be able to see the screen, or will a drop-down screen also need to be rented? Does everything (cables, extension cords, replacement bulbs) come with the rental? If the equipment must be taken along on travels, is it light and portable? (Remember those airport lines!) Consider obtaining a wheeled case if possible.

Considering the company budget, what kind of digital projector rental equipment will provide the picture quality and brightness which is best for the presentation? Although 1000 lumens of brightness is fine for smaller conference rooms, larger halls may require 1500-2000 lumens to overcome ambient light conditions. This also allows an individual to leave the lights on during the presentation, which is attractive for safety reasons. Also, check to see that the colors of text and backgrounds are accurate and can be distinguished easily. Be sure that charts and graphs will aid the presentation, not distract from it. Some rentals include a laser pointer, which can be useful.

As the writer of Proverbs 14:15 notes, "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." In other words, a wise person gives thought to his steps. Be sure to set up and test all equipment long before the presentation is to begin. Be sure that focus and brightness can be adjusted. Optimally, this can be done with remote devices even during the presentation if the need arises. There are few things more annoying than waiting during a presentation while the speaker fiddles with adjustments which should have been done hours previously. This can also detract from the professional appearance of the presentation. Since many presentations are done to attract future clients or funding, try to eliminate these potential deal-breakers. Spare bulbs and extension cords can be worth their weight in gold in some instances. Be sure to know and understand the material which is being presented. Even if for some reason the equipment is unable to be used (power failure), be prepared to give a presentation anyway. Hopefully this will never be the case, and the digital projector rental will only serve to enhance the presentation. However, remember that the presentation is being given by a person, not by the equipment. Plan well, make use of the latest in projector technology and enjoy giving a successful presentation!

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images