Where can I rent a LCD Projector?

Used LCD Projector Evaluation

• I've agreed to purchase the following projector at auction for $960 based on the following disclosure: "BARCO Data 3200LC Digital LCD Computer, Video and HDTV Projector. S-VIDEO inputs, HDTV capable and up to XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. Super bright 1450 ANSI LUMENS. 300:1 contrast ratio. 700W Metal Halide Lamp. Has S-VIDEO, composite video, and computer inputs. Will display HDTV, and computer graphics formats up to up to XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. PAL, SECAM, and NTSC compatible. Equipped with an advanced Pixel Map Processor. Can do front, rear, or ceiling projection. Adjustable keystone and picture shift. The wide compatibility, fast easy set-up and extreme versatility of the BARCODATA 3200 make it a powerful display device for any situation. This is a large venue projector, capable of displaying HUGE images (up to 33 feet wide, depending on the lens.) DIMENSIONS are 26” deep, 14” high, 24” wide. Weighs 99 pounds. No IR remote included, but all functions can be accessed from the built in digital keypad. Cosmetically, it has scratches and blemishes on the casing. SOLD NEW FOR $18,000." I know nothing about projectors, but would like to know what question to ask and what to check for prior to paying. Is this a good buy? What sort of costs would I be facing if it the projector needed to be refurbished? Where can I get a users guide/installation manual?

• Answer:

  I'm not sure how much information you have on this projector already but since you say you know very little about projectors I will point you to the Barco website. The projector you are considering buying can be found at the address below: http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/products/product.asp?gennr=311 Accessories for your projector can be found at the following link (including an IR remote receiver if you decide you would like to have one) and a service kit ("This kit contains the special tools to align the LCD panels and lens shift mechanism. The kit also includes an extension cable set and extension boards allowing the power supplies, controller, inputs and pixel map processor to be operated outside the projector for service purposes"): http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/products/product_options.asp?element=299 The next link I will direct you to is the Barco Peripherals Brochure (in PDF format) http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/downloads/peripherals.pdf With that said, the most basic questions you should ask are: "Does the projector work"? "Other that the cosmetic damage to the projector, is there anything else wrong with it"? “How many hours has the current lamp been used?” "Are the lenses included?" "If so which ones?" Each lens has specific capabilities such as screen size and projection depth (these are discussed in the PDF file below). These will obviously be important to you if the lens provided does not conform to the space you have available for the projector. A list of available lenses for your unit can be found in the PDF file at the location below. http://www.barco.com/projection_systems/downloads/md_lenses.pdf Number of hours of bulb use on the unit is also important. You will have to trust the seller to honestly relate to you the estimated number of hours on the bulb but it would be nice to know this information. I have a request in to Barco to let me know how to purchase additional lamps for the unit and the associated cost for each. I will post the answer as a follow-up once I hear back from them. Many of the products Barco sells have on-line manuals, however, I have been unable to locate one thus far for your unit. I have several requests in (to different departments at Barco) to point me to a copy of the manual on-line if it exists, or to let me know how to obtain one by other means if it's not. Again, I will post a follow-up once I hear back from them on this. Assuming that the projector works, there are no known problems with it, and the lenses match your needs, I'd think that you're ok to buy the unit. I saw another unit like the one you're talking about at the following address for $1500 so at least you have managed to find a better price than other available units on the market. http://www.cashlandy.com/video.htm Good luck with your purchase and happy viewing... resolutionman-ga