FAQ | bostonavrental

Typically, a hotel or venue can not limit your right to use an audio visual provider of your choice. CLICK HERE for detailed information about protecting your right to choose and how you can SAVE LOTS of MONEY!

2. What are your rental terms and conditions?

Please CLICK HERE to view our most recent Rental Agreement Terms And Conditions.

3. How do I place an order or receive a quote?

You can place an order and/or receive a quote by calling Boston Audio Visual Rental at (781) 334 -0001 or by email at info@bostonavrental.com.

4. How far in advance of my rental date(s) should I order the equipment?

We recommend you place your order as soon as you know details about your event and what rental equipment you will need. However, we do offer both next day and same day service for your last minute equipment needs.

5. Can BAVR provide same day service?

Yes, we are willing to help you with your same-day, last-minute needs.

6. How will I receive my equipment?

We offer delivery, set-up, and strike services. Alternately, you may pick up the equipment at our office located at 3 Wing Road, Lynnfield, MA 01940.

7. How do I return my rental equipment back to BAVR?

If you choose to pick up the equipment at our office, you are responsible to return the equipment the next business day (M-F 9-5).

8. What if I have trouble with my equipment or it doesn't work?

We test all of our equipment before we deliver it. However, if you do experience an equipment problem, you can call us 24/7 at (781)985-5750. If we cannot fix the problem, we will replace your rental equipment by the quickest means possible.

9. How do I know what type of equipment is right for my needs?

Our staff members have the experience and training to correctly match your requirements with the right equipment. Just give us a call at (781) 334-0001 or send an email to info@bostonavrental.com. You can also read the descriptions about each piece on our website.

10. How can I change or cancel a previously placed order? Will I be charged for a cancellation?

Please give us a call at (781) 334-0001 to change or cancel an order. A written notice received at least 3 business days prior to the beginning of your rental period is required to cancel or change an order. A change or cancellation of the order received at least 3 business days prior to the beginning of your rental period will result in a refund of 75% of the original order. The remaining 25% will be credited to your account towards a future order. Cancellation of your order with less than 3 business days notice will result in a 100% credit of the original order being applied to your account towards a future order. Cancellation of your order on the scheduled day of the rental period will result in no refund or credit.

11. What’s covered under the accidental damage insurance?

BAVR's accidental damage insurance covers any non-intentional damage incurred to the equipment during your rental period. Please be aware that this does not include weather-related damage, negligence or theft.

12. What if I need equipment that is not listed on your site?

BAVR can support almost all your audio visual support requirements. If you don't see it, please call us at 781-334-0001 and we will discuss your needs and see if we can help.

AUDIO

1. What type of audio equipment do I need for a small presentation?

If you only need one microphone, you will need a single speaker or a pair of speakers. If you need more than one microphone, you will also need a mixer. A 4 channel mixer can handle up to 4 microphones or other audio inputs (CD players, laptops, DVD players, etc.) While a 12 channel mixer can handle up to 12 audio inputs.

2. What’s the difference between handheld and lapel microphones?

Handheld microphones are meant to be held in your hand or in a microphone stand. Lapel microphones are clipped to your shirt and are best for presentations where you need your hands to be free.

3. What’s the difference between wireless and wired microphones?

A wired microphone plugs directly into the mixer or speaker. While a wireless microphone has no wires attaching it to the other sound equipment. Instead of wires, there is a transmitter that you attach to your belt and a receiver that is plugged into the sound equipment. Both our handheld and lapel microphones are like this.

4. Do I need a mixer?

If you only need to amplify one source of sound, then you do not need a mixer. If you need to amplify more than one source of sound, then you need a mixer. A mixer allows you to control the volume of different audio inputs.

PROJECTORS

1. How do I choose which projector is right for me?

Our projectors page offers short descriptions of our projectors. If you’d like to know more, call us at (781) 334-0001 or email us info@bostonavrental.com. Tell us what you plan to use the projector for and we’ll recommend the equipment that will work best. You may also CLICK HER E to read our Projector Selection Guide.

2. What is the difference between an SVGA and XGA projector?

The image display from an SVGA resolution projector has less pixels, and hence a lower resolution than XGA resolution projectors. This means that XGA projectors produce a clearer, sharper image. SVGA resolution projectors are appropriate for PowerPoint presentations displaying mostly text and presentations in small rooms with dimmed lights. XGA resolution projectors are appropriate for PowerPoint presentations with graphics, and displaying photos or video.

3. What is the difference between DLP and LCD projectors?

DLP and LCD are two competing technologies used in digital projectors. Until recently, most digital projectors used LCD technology. Over the last few years many manufacturers have switched to using DLP technology. We carry both types of projectors and don't think there's a distinguishable difference.

4. What are other names for digital projectors?

Digital projectors are also commonly known as LCD projectors, DLP projectors, data projectors, multimedia projectors, computer projectors, video projectors or DVD projectors.

5. What are lumens?

Lumens are the measure of a projector's brightness. Our lowest lumens projector, 1200 lumens, is appropriate for use with a small audience in a room where the lights are dimmed. For larger audiences and brighter venues, we offer projectors ranging all the way up to 25,000 lumens. We would be happy to help you decide what is appropriate for your situation - just give us a call at 1-877-633-8866.

6. What can I connect to the projector?

You can connect any of our projectors to a laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac), DVD player, VCR, video camera or document camera. Just tell us what you need to connect the projector to, and we'll make sure to include everything you need.

7. What is the contrast ratio?

The contrast ratio measures how a projector displays the lightest and darkest parts of an image. Projectors with a high contrast ratio (1500:1 or higher) are very good for showing pictures, video, or any presentation with lots of color.

8. How far should my projector be from the screen?

In general your projector should be about twice as far from the screen as your screen is wide. For example, if your screen is 5 feet wide, your projector should be approximately 10 feet from the screen.

The technical term for describing this calculation is Throw Ratio. Unless specified otherwise, all of our projectors have a throw ratio of approximately 2:1. This means that for every foot of screen width, your projector should be twice as far away (for a 6-foot wide screen the projector is 12 feet away; for an 8-foot wide screen the projector is 16 feet away; and so on).

9. How do I connect my laptop to a projector?

For the most part, connecting your laptop to a projector is relatively simple. While not every setup is identical, here are a few basic steps to help guide you through the process.

1. Make sure your projector and laptop are both turned off.

2. Connect the video cable (usually VGA) from your laptop's external video port to the projector.

3. Plug your projector into an electrical outlet and press the "power" button to turn it ON.

4. Turn on your laptop.

5. If you need audio for your presentation, connect the laptop's "audio out" port to the projector, or to another sound system.

6. The projector and laptop should automatically sync. Refer to your specific laptop manual if it doesn't.

SCREENS

1. What’s the difference between a tripod and fastfold screen?

We have four sizes of tripod screens: 4' x 4', 5' x 5', 6' x 6' and 7'x7'. These have a pull down screen and a tripod stand. They are simple to assemble. We have several larger sizes of fastfold screens. These are called "fastfold screens" because of the way the screen is assembled. The actual screen is buttoned to the outside of the frame, which has L shaped legs on each side of it.

2. What size screen do I need?

Our Projection Screen page details the appropriate screen size based on the number of people. In general, our tripod screens can accomodate crowds up to 150 people. Our selection of fastfold screens are recommended for larger crowds. You can also CLICK HERE for our page detailing how to select the right size projection screen for my event.

VIDEO

1. What is Mini DV technology?

Mini DV is an affordable digital video format that is widely used for both private and commercial purposes. This format is currently the most popular for new camcorders being sold today.

2. What are the advantages of Mini DV over DVD cameras?

While DVD is common in homes and offices, it has only recently been used to record live video. There are no professional DVD cameras in production, and the consumer-grade models available have limited features and capacity (30 minutes per disc). There is also a much greater risk of the DVD failing than of a Mini DV tape.

3. Can I record the Mini DV tape on to my VHS tape, computer, or DVD?

Yes. You can connect the camcorder to your VCR / stand alone DVD burner/player with the included video cable. This is the easiest way to make copies of a Mini DV tape so everyone is able to watch it since not everyone has a Mini DV camcorder. If you wish to copy your DV tape on to your computer, your computer must have a DVD burner, firewire port, 6 pin to 4 pin firewire cable, and video capturing software. You may also CLICK HERE to visit our CD/DVD Transfer and Duplication page which supports video transfer.

4. How long does the battery last?

Generally, the standard battery it comes with will last approximately 60 minutes (45 minutes while using the LCD screen). You also may use the included A/C adapter for additional power.

5. How long can I record for on a tape?

Most tapes can record 60 minutes of footage in SP mode (Standard Play). They are capable of recording longer than 60, but video quality will be sacrificed in the process.

6. Will the Mini DV tape work in my older camcorder?

The Mini DV tape will only function in a Mini DV camcorder or deck. This tape format is unique to these decks - in much the same way a VHS cassette will not work in a DVD player.

7. Is this camcorder PAL compatible?

No. Our camcorders are NTSC, which is the standard in North America, Japan, Canada and many other regions. It is rare to obtain a PAL camcorder unless you are located in a PAL country.

8. Will the camcorder fit on my tripod?

In most cases, it will. The camcorders have a standard 1/4-20 thread, which many consumer grade tripods (for both still and video cameras) use. We also rent tripods that are compatible with all our video cameras, CLICK HERE to visit our video recording equipment page.

TECH SUPPORT

1. Do you offer technician services for setting up or running the equipment?

Yes, CLICK HERE to learn more about the different services BAVR provides.

2. Is someone available to help me troubleshoot problems with my equipment when BAVR is closed?

Yes, we always have a technician on-call for after-hours emergencies. You can reach the technician by calling us at 1-781-985-5850.

FINANCIAL

1. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash, business checks or personal checks (if paid a minimum of 7 days prior to rental period).

2. Do you match prices or offer volume discounts?

BAVR will not be undersold, if our proposal is more than one of our competitors, simply provide us with their written proposal and we will beat their quote by 5%.

3. Does BAVR offer monthly rates for equipment?

Yes, give us a call at 781-334-0001 to discuss your needs and we will customize a discounted quote to meet your requirements.

4. Where can I find a list of all your prices?

CLICK HERE for our Contact Page, fill out the form and we will gladly send you a current price catelog. Keep in mind that these are our most popular items we rent, so if you don't see what you are looking for, please don't hesitate to ask. We can accomodate most Audio Visual needs.

AUDIO

PROJECTORS

SCREENS

VIDEO

TECH

FINANCIAL

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