FAQs about Projection System Design, Installation and Equipment Rental

Q. Does BL&S handle custom design and installation of rented projection systems?

A. Yes, BL&S has almost 30 years of experience custom crafting equipment and providing technical direction for film festivals, location dailies, previews, and world premieres. The company’s expertise includes digital cinema, interlock systems, film/live music events, specialty presentations (ex: Cinerama), and more. To quote BL&S co-owner Chapin Cutler, "we do anything that utilizes the projection of professional format motion picture, anywhere in the world". You can learn more about projects we've handled by viewing our portfolio.

Q. Can you add video projection to my existing commercial theater system?

A. Yes. Depending on your needs, any number of video sources can be integrated into your existing system. In many cases, we can utilize / upgrade existing screen masking, Dolby processing, and film sound playback systems. We can also enable the system to accommodate various "guest" sources (i.e., PC, HDCAM, DigiBeta, D5, etc.) BL&S will consult with its clients to select a system and components best suited for the venue and its programming needs.

Q. Does BL&S install equipment only in existing theatres?

A. No, BL&S consultants are accustomed to working in a wide variety of venues. We can turn a raw space into a fully functioning theatre setting. This includes sourcing, installing, and supporting screens, masking, and other theatre equipment.

Our design and installation projects can be found in museums, colleges, sports facilities, hotels, convention centers, corporate boardrooms, training facilities, historic destinations, film archives, houses of worship, and numerous other presentation spaces. You can learn more about projects we've handled by viewing our portfolio.

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Q. Does BL&S rent video equipment as well as film projection gear?

A. Much of what we know about film projection translates to video projection as well. BL&S is one of the leaders in digital cinema technology, large screen Hi Definition video, and areas where special attention is paid to video quality. Complex audio and video systems are a specialty for our company.

Q. How is BL&S' approach to rental equipment different from other vendors?

A. We have considerable expertise building systems that we can transport easily for doing premier and road show work. We believe that to setup and run venues as reliably as a cinema, each facility needs to be approached as a permanent installation, even though it is temporary. This involves prewiring all of the projection and sound components as an integrated system, just as if they were going to be installed permanently in real movie theatres. We then run the systems through a full battery of tests at our facilities in Boston to ensure that they would work properly when installed.

Q. Can I rent projection equipment and operate it myself?

A. Only experienced film professionals may rent and operate film projection systems independently, in which case BL&S will install and remove the system. We will be happy to ship film projection items such as lenses for your use.

Similarly, you are welcome to use small video equipment and small screens on your own, however BL&S technicians will be required for operating larger equipment.

Q. Does BL&S design & install home theater systems?

A. Yes. For more than 25 years, BL&S has specialized in offering ultra high-end screening room solutions to very discerning clients, including many filmmakers. We can fully integrate standard & high definition video sources, high performance surround sound, touch-screen control and motion picture film. Few companies anywhere have more experience in professional screening room design and installation.

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Q. Why should I use BL&S as my theatre's projection service provider?

A. Unlike other service companies working in the area, BL&S has extensive local facilities, including an in-house, full service machine shop and metal fabrication facility to produce anything that you may need. BL&S also maintains a huge inventory of parts for both current and older machines to keep our customers up and running.

Q. Does BL&S service projection equipment that was permanently installed by other vendors?

A. Yes. We offer service on most major brands of film, audiovisual, and sound equipment. In addition to service provided on an as-needed basis, we offer complete preventive maintenance and service contracts with emergency priority service at preferred rates.

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FAQs about Sound System Design, Installation and Equipment Rental

Q. Why should I choose BL&S to install my sound system?

A. We have more than 25 years of expertise producing superb audio experiences for theaters, stadiums, museums, houses of worship, corporate facilities, airports, and other venues. Our audio engineers have extensive experience designing complete sound systems for new facilities as well as restoration projects. You can learn more about projects we've handled by viewing our portfolio.

Q. Does BL&S provide sound systems for houses of worship?

A. Yes, BL&S consultants design and install sound systems for the unique reverberative challenges of houses of worship, ensuring full rich sound. We custom craft unobtrusive equipment that blends well with the existing esthetics. Working within the confines of historic spaces is one of our specialties.

Q. Are you a retail outlet for audio equipment?

A. Although we carry and sell an extensive product line, we aren’t a retail outlet. We specialize in the custom design and installation of complete sound systems, and order the products that we need to fulfill specific project requirements. You can learn more about projects we've handled by viewing our portfolio.

Q. Do you rent audio equipment?

A. Yes. We have an extensive rental department specializing in theatrical and stage sound equipment, public address systems, music, and most other forms of sound ranging from small do-it-yourself systems to large scale professional packages.

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Q. Do you rent rock music sound systems?

A. Although our projection department has extensive experience with touring attractions, we don’t tailor our inventory to rock musicians. If you are looking for that type of equipment and service, please try one of the other fine rental companies in the Boston area. We do provide projection equipment design, installation, and support for rock musicians looking to display special visuals during their performances. We also install and support sound systems for orchestral and concert facilities.

Q. Will you install sound equipment that was not purchased through BL&S?

A. Since we feel that proper system design is just as important as quality equipment, we only install systems when we have provided the equipment and where we or a reputable audio consultant has designed the system. We regularly collaborate with audio consultants on the design of sound systems, including those within theatre restoration projects.

Q. Do you provide sound engineers without rental of equipment?

A. Unfortunately, BL&S sound engineers are only available to operate sound systems sold by or rented through us. We are unable to provide staff to operate systems purchased or rented from our sources.

Q. Do you charge additional fees for equipment rented over a weekend or holiday?

A. No. Fees are based upon daily and weekly rates.

Q. Does BL&S service sound equipment?

A. Yes. We are glad to service sound systems and equipment that we have installed. We offer service on most major brands of audiovisual and sound. In addition to service provided on an as-needed basis, we offer complete preventive maintenance and service contracts with emergency priority service at preferred rates.

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General FAQs

Q. Do you rent or sell lighting equipment?

A. No, we do not rent or sell traditional service lighting equipment. However, we now offer the Lighthouse 4000 searchlight for sale or rent. Boston Light & Sound rents, sells, installs, and services video and projection equipment, and sound systems. The "Light" in our name refers to the light emanating from a film or video projector, which we do sell, rent, install, and service.

Q. Does BL&S offer consulting services?

A. Yes. Many of our installations are design-build projects. We can offer complete turn-key solutions or work with your existing architect / consulting engineer to develop a bid specification for your projection and sound needs.

Q. Do you have a showroom?

A. Although we do not have a public showroom, we’re happy to provide tours of our extensive facility and demonstrate equipment by appointment.

Q. How can I reach BL&S after hours in an emergency?

A. We have service technicians on call at all times for our regular and contract service customers. Call our main phone number 617-787-3131 and follow the prompts and we will respond shortly.

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Q. How can I initiate a project with BL&S?

A. Please call us at 617-787-3131.

Q. Where can I get technical information about a product I obtained from BL&S?

A. Call us at 617-787-3131 or visit our resources page for a list of links to product manufacturers.

Q. Does BL&S have licensed and certified technicians?

A. Yes. Various BL&S technicians hold NICET and CTS certification and Massachusetts DPS projection licenses.

Q. Do BL&S technicians have manufacturer’s certifications?

A. Yes. We are certified by such manufacturers as AMX, Dolby, DLP, BSS Soundweb, Intellix, and Extron.

Q. Do BL&S technicians undergo ongoing training?

A. Yes. Dolby, Kinoton and DPI have conducted classes for our technicians at our facility. In addition, various technicians have recently attended factory training by EAW, Autopatch, JBL, Extron, VER Video Workshop, Electro-Voice Wireless Mic Systems, Line Array Speaker Systems, Telex Wireless Communication Systems, Klark Teknik Audio Processing, Barco Video Projection & LCD Panel, among others.

Q. Do BL&S technicians belong to any professional organizations?

A. Yes, various technicians belong to AES, SMPTE, BKSTS, IATSE among others.

Q. Does BL&S belong to any professional organizations?

A. Yes, IAPPA, ICTA, NSCA, LHAT, AMIA, ISES and APAP among others.

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