Most lofts still offer a bit of the feeling of living in a warehouse due to their original use as factories located in industrial neighborhoods. But in many cases, the latest examples have all the trappings of the most elegant uptown apartments, including walls, fancy floors and ceilings, shared lobbies, enclosed garages, and even balconies and roofdecks.
Instead of the original occupants, including struggling artists, architects, and other professionals who had to work from their homes for economic reasons, the newest crop of owners are successful executives, dentists, lawyers, television and film actors, product managers, writers, and others who have come to see the charm and wisdom of such large scaled units in inner city neighborhoods.
Residents are also no longer restricted to living in lofts just in downtown Sydney, where the genre first developed in the large cast iron manufacturing and printing buildings of the Paddington district. Over time, the loft concept has spread to more of Melbourne and on to other cities in Australia and around the globe.
Rather than share a geographic commonality, the tie that binds most lofts is a building that makes economic and aesthetic sense to save and remodel as the back to the city movement continues to grow. More and more people want to avoid commuting, traffic, and McMansions. And they want to take advantage of all the benefits of CBD life.
With greater acceptance among the mainstream, the interior architecture of lofts has also changed. The loft has evolved from the original “hard” design, so termed because of its hard surfaces, to a “softer” style. The original wood or concrete floors are sometimes covered; the brick or concrete walls are sometimes platered; the ceiling ducts, sprinkler systems and timber beams are often made a feature; and the walls and halfwalls used to partition off bathrooms sometimes shield bedrooms from the public living spaces as well.
Whether these changes are favorable or too far removed from the original form is argued among purists, but many observers of the changes applaud the quieter, more energy efficient and human oriented lofts that often result.
The way lofts are furnished has also undergone a marked change through the decades. The first generation of lofts tended to be decorated in Vincent de Paul chic and recycled, secondhand or hand me down objects and lacked any thought out design.
Loft interiors have evolved through the decades, revealing a much wider range of furnishings and styles from the sleekly modern Italian mode, where less still remains more, to the traditional international mix with English or French antiques, American quilts, and Oriental accessories and holland blinds.
The finished design does not look overmanipulated or untouchable, but is relaxed and easy to live in. The most favored look, however, remains a highly edited leanness of whatever period, so that the open feeling associated with this style of unit comes through strongly. Some call this an undesign where the unalterable can serve as inspiration.
Two surprising twists in recent loft development are also noteworthy and bode well for future occupants who desire a choice. Brand new lofts are now built to mimic the original buildings, but these modern architectural versions are made with a combination of both old fashioned attention to the art of the structure and new amenities.
In addition, the boundaries of acceptable areas in which to live in a loft have been expanded to the suburbs and ex-urban areas, so now more can enjoy the form. The primary goal of the loft, however, remains the same: an abundance of space, natural light, and air and an eclectic flair in the choice of furnishings and accessories.
Just Roller Blinds retail a wide variety of blinds and custom made blinds for your loft apartment or home. Order your roller blinds online and save today. Fabric samples are also available. STJRB2403
Posted on March 31st, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
The key to how to lose weight fast is dedication. Losing weight is simple and, if done correctly, it’s predictable. It’s all about having a caloric deficit at the end of each day, every day, until you reach your target weight. First things first. It’s a good idea to consult your personal physician before you engage in any diet or exercise program.
Exercise is always the best way to start, especially combined with eating less processed and junk food. Try to cook most of your meals. That’s the only way you’ll know for sure what’s in your food. You also have more control over how much fat is in the food and which oils you use to prepare it with. Try to eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can.
Avoiding pop is good rule of thumb as well. Most pop contains so much sugar in the form of corn syrup that it can really mess up your system. Avoid eating when you feel upset or bored. Try to find something else to do instead. A walk around the block or a trip to the gym are good alternatives.
Exercise is a key component in any weight loss program, but it can be confusing to figure out how much you need and where to start. Start out slow. You don’t want to get burnt out quickly. If you’ve never exercised much before, try something easy like walking. If you’re more active, try exercising a few times a week. Change up your routine every few weeks to make sure you work out different muscle groups. And remember, it’s OK to be hungry when losing weight. Just eat healthy snacks.
It’s easier to succeed in losing weight fast if you have an exercise buddy. You can motivate each other to stay fit and on your diet. Accountability is key. If your buddy slacks off, encourage them to get back on track. Remember, the key to losing weight fast dedication!
Posted on March 31st, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
Dry Loop Dsl Internet is a great way to save money every month. Naked Dsl Service is Dsl Service without paying for landline telephone service.
The benefits of not having to pay for a landline to get Dsl are huge. The average basic phone service is around $30 per month, and in most parts of the country you can get Dry Loop Dsl Internet Service for $5 to $10 per month above what you would pay for dsl with phone service. So instead of paying $60 to $70 per month, you only have to pay $35 to $40. That is a savings of $20 to $35 per month, or up to $420 per year.
Those who benefit from Naked Dsl Internet Service the most are those who use a cellular phone to do all of their calling. If you have no need for a landline phone service, now you don’t have to pay for one.
There are getting to be more and more Dsl Service Providers offering Dry Loop Dsl Internet Service all the time. In fact, nearly all of the top names in Dsl now offer it. You can get it from Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and Qwest.
These services are available in a lot of different configurations and speeds. For example, with Qwest you can get all of the same packages as if you had a landline. You can generally get speeds from 768 kb all the way up to 3.0 mb.
So, if you are in the market for new Dsl Service you should try Dry Loop Dsl Internet. You can get it from Find Dsl Service.
Posted on March 30th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
For the last few years more individuals have been becoming aware of the Acai Berry . From losing weight to having more energy this is basically what the Acai berry will produce. Of course the results don’t happen over night but the Acai berry has been proven to assist any essential vitamins in a nutritional diet.
Some of the Acai berry is extracted into a liquid formula where it can be used as a diet beverage and also to give those nutrients that are missing from the individual not eating certain foods.
Although this type of Diet and Nutrition has been around for less than a decade it has caught on dramatically and those who are using in have nothing but good to say about it. As far as the nutritional value it is in a big way pretty high in comparison to some of the other vitamins and nutrients found in other nutritional food.
In reality the Acai is a fruit and it doesn’t have a very long life span when being grown. Of course it is a berry with very high nutritional and energy levels. While it is only available in juice extract, it is grown on the Amazon tree in the country of Brazil. In addition the pulp as well as the juice can then be used in beverages and other forms of dieting and nutritional foods.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Acai berry replacing some of the vitamins and minerals such as being an alternative. Its amazing how the taste combined with other juices and consumption of the Acai the nutritional value is intensified and most of the nutrients needed are found with the nutrition from an individual’s diet in addition to the acai regimen.
Acai is used in many different ways, and for many different health and nutrition issues as well. Some individual’s have reported better eyesight, better memory and so much more.
Although there are always going to be critics about products the best thing of course is to Try the Product for your self. There are several web sites that teach people about the Acai berry and what it is capable of. Also, on various web sites the nutritional value of the acai pulp and juice are also listed. Unfortunately, its not like an individual can walk in a grocery store and find it, but it can be purchased in some health and nutrition stores as well as some web sites via the Internet.
DISCLAIMER:
Never start a dieting program without consulting your doctor first. The information i provide is solely for reference and based on personal experience. Individual experiences may vary and the above should not be taken in place of proper medical treatment by a professional. Always consult your Doctor before taking any medication.
Posted on March 30th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
Working out plays an significant role in the maintenance of the human back. Therefore we should all make an effort to incorporate some form of physical activity in our daily schedule. As a matter of fact, many individuals who suffer from upper back pain opt to partake in some form of sport or recreational activity in order to reinforce their back, if they are able to do so.
What activities may aid to strengthen a weak back?
A trendy way to stay in shape and to fortify your ailing back is walking. When walking, aim to walk with the sole purpose of strengthening your back. Meaning that you shouldn’t drag your feet and always walk with your shoulders leaned frontward. Remember to stand straight and walk with assurance.
One of the most popular ways to exercise is jogging. Eventhough the steady bouncing can take a toll on your discs and joints, it is still considered a great way to build stronger legs and a healthier back.
Which exercises may not help to strengthen a fragile back?
Swimming is considered a great means to strengthen your arms, shoulders and upper back. While it is a great method to remain in grand physical condition, it may not necessarily focus on fortifying your back muscles.
Bodybuilding may not be the top way to strengthen your back if you have a record of back problems. Usually, lifting weights will help to build a more strong and fit body, but when your bothered back is at stake you may want to omit this form of exercise.
One more popular form of exercise is bicycling. Although bicycling has certain limitations when focusing on fortifying your back muscles, it is a great manner to develop your cardiovascular fitness.
Items to consider when using this type of exercise include:
• Confirm that the bicycle frame matches your body size. Not too big or too tiny.
• Sustain the correct leg distance with bicycle pedals. Don’t over extend for the pedals.
• Maintain the handlebars at the correct height so that you don’t have to lean forward.
Remember that when strengthening your back is a prime priority, you must focus on carrying out the appropriate exercise form.
An extremely relaxing and trendy sport many like is golf. Sadly, when you are swinging a golf club several times at an uncontrollable speed, you could end up with a reoccurring back troubles.
Alongside with the above mentioned activities, there are many other activities that may be suitable for your specific back fortifying needs. So bear in mind, when the main purpose of introducing a new physical activity is to strengthen your back and to avoid future back problems, simply choose the activity wisely.
If you are suffering from mid back pain and would like to learn more about a non-surgical therapy alternative, ask your doctor about the DRX9000 non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.
This post is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical assistance. Consult your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.
Posted on March 29th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
One of the more challenging things about landscape design in the Rocky Mountains is the fact that the natural beauty is hard to compete with. It is tough to find companies that are able to add to this beauty without making it look cheesy.
Landscape Design Companies in Colorado Springs have lots of inspiration to draw from. From virtually anywhere in the city you can see Pikes Peak and the beautifull front range. Using native materials that compliment the scenery is key. Still many companies like to buy exotic materials that ends up looking out of place and again, cheesy. The native materials make so much more sense and they look as though they belong.
Architects will discover the same thing when designing in beautiful places. The good ones will always try to use materials that belong to that area. Home Depot and Lowes and keep their exotic materials. Good landscape designers and architects will hunt down native, and sometimes interesting materials to use in their projects. Local queries and lumber yards can be great places to find these things.
Landscape Construction in Colorado can be key to digging up these materials as well. Because of the Rocky Mountains, digging can be extremely difficult because of the rocks, however using thse rocks instead of burying them can add to the vernacular flavor of the project.
So, when searching for your landscape designer, try to get someone who is good at complimenting the beautifull scenery Colorado has to offer instead of competing with it. Make sure you view their previous work and check refrences too!
Posted on March 29th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
After undertaking IOSH Managing safely in construction course
- Candidates should be able to:
- Understand relevant health & safety legislation & specific legislation, codes of practice, guidance notes, its impact on managerial responsibilities & sources of information, advice & guidance on compliance
- Distinguish between the duties & responsibilities of the employer & employee, client, contractor & sub contractor
- Be able to verify the competence of contractors & sub-contractors
- Have an understanding of risk assessment & risk control, risk rating systems identifying common & specific hazards relative to the industry.
- Describe the concept of unsafe acts & unsafe conditions
- Be able to select workplace precautions relative to the hazards & record results of risk assessments & carry out reviews.
- Understand the principles & statutory requirements of accident/incident investigation, reporting & recording
- Know the importance of continuous active monitoring
- Explain the importance of consultation with employees or their representatives & identify training needs.
IOSH Training is available for a number of other areas which give you a rang of other certified skills. Protect Life are a health, safety and protective goods superstore. They offer all the above and much more.
Good vendors of this type of training are hard to find. Perhaps the best approach when selecting a supplier is to approach the HSP (Health Safety and Protective) Superstores, they can usually sasitisfy all your health safety and protective training needs. They pridictably have 4 primary training services which we can be delivered locally, nationally or internationally:
1. Defining your needs - Helping clients to evaluate or review theire training requirements and deliver a plan for training which will be flexible enough to work in the designated organisation;
2. Planning - Help customers to present and implement a clear and transparent plan address training all their health safety and protective needs;
3. Deliver one-off or periodic training for individuals/groups. With many of there courses you have the option of Training being delivered face to face, via video, via interactive computer based training or a combination of these methods;
4. Your training department – they can manage all your training issues for you.
They say “training does not have to be costly or restricted to any specific time” As some of their courses can be taken any time of the day and any day of the week.
Posted on March 29th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
Introduction
Taking down old buildings and replacing them with new is a process that has been going on for thousands of years. The destruction of buildings might have occurred during battles or attacks on communities; or due to natural disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic activity. The resultant ruins would need to be removed and rebuilt. So the idea of demolition would have come about where a population wished to re-inhabit a specific area or site. (One famous example is the Holy Temple in Jerusalem which was deliberately destroyed by the Assyrians around 586 BCE. After 50 years of occupation the Jews returned to Jerusalem and began the re-construction of the second temple which took seventy years to complete.)
However the actual word to demolish only came into being in 1570, and was used from then on to mean the deliberate taking down or destroying of a building or structure.
Preserving the past - preparing the future.
In a country like Britain with very dense populations per square mile, there is a limited amount of land available for development. The land between built up areas of the villages and towns is known as Green Belt and is protected from development to preserve the agricultural and natural heritage which is vital to the economy of the country.
The outcome of this policy is that there is a constant shortage of land for housing and industry, so the developers have to be more creative when providing structures for the population. One of the ways of doing this is to find places where the buildings are no longer commercially viable or have been abandoned, and re-use the area for different purposes. These areas are known as brownfield, or greyfield sites. In some cities, particularly Leeds and Manchester, the old warehouses or factories have been converted into apartments, retaining the original shell and reconfiguring the internal dimensions into desirable living accommodation.
Brownfield sites are disused industrial and commercial facilities where the land may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution. They are potentially valuable for significant redevelopment once they have been cleaned up. Greyfield sites are urban properties that have been underutilised or abandoned, but do not have the environmental issues of brownfield sites. They were termed greyfield sites because of large areas of asphalt that covered the land. These sites are valuable because they already have the infrastructure such as water, sewage, electricity and gas in place and do not need remedial work to develop the site.
When a structure is to be removed there are different ways of approaching the task. The size and construction of the building, the new use of the site and whether there are valuable elements suitable for re-use, will all determine how it is to be demolished.
Traditional Demolition
Traditionally, once all the services were disconnected, the machinery and men would go in and just knock down the walls which caused the roof to collapse and then drag all the wreckage away. Any concrete hard standing would be broken up ready for removal. The excavation process would involve the clearing of rubbish and disposed of in landfill sites. However modern demolition practices are very controlled and are subject to strict planning, safety and monitoring regulations.
Small structures such as two or three storey houses can be dismantled quite easily with hydraulic excavators and bulldozers using an undermining process. The walls are undermined at the base, in order to topple the structure; at the same time the manner and direction of the fall is controlled. Clean-up and safety issues are also taken into account when choosing how the building will be undermined and demolished.
Larger buildings such as tower blocks and chimneys require more specialist techniques, and are outlined below.
Deconstruction
A new approach to demolishing buildings is deconstruction - a green approach. The aim is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites by carefully preserving valuable materials for reuse. The work may be a painstaking task of dismantling by hand - brick by brick - or beam by beam. The reclaimed materials are then recycled or re-used for future buildings. The results of deconstruction can save in excess of 90% waste from going to a landfill site. When the farmer opposite to my house sold his farm yard with barns for housing, the builder demolished the barns, cleaned up the bricks and reused them for the perimeter wall of the farmhouse. At the time I was looking for some rubble as a base for a path and the builder let me take several barrow loads off his pile.
Recycling
Historically when old buildings were ruined from disuse or war damage the local people would gradually remove the stone and use it to build their new structures such as houses or barns. Hadrian’s wall between Carlisle and Newcastle has mostly gone because after the Romans left, the local population made off with the beautifully dressed stone the Roman craftsmen had used in the building of the wall. So even in those days people understood the value of recycling because it was much cheaper than having to quarry and dress the stone themselves.
At one time the rubble resulting from a demolished building would be taken to a landfill site for disposal. Now however concrete can be rapidly broken up with the latest machine called a guillotine and the resultant rubble can be crushed and used as sub-base material for the foundation of the new building which is to replace the old, or sent to other construction sites. These days this crushed rubble is called 6f2 crushed stone or 6f2 crushed material.
Modern machinery and techniques allows the demolition companies to efficiently segregate waste types on or off-site. Wherever possible construction materials are recycled and re-used in the new structure. Recycling of waste contributes to a substantial savings in project costs and is good for the environment.
When we renovated our bungalow 20 years ago the builder, who was a bell ringer, found an old beam from a bell tower that was being renovated, and after carefully treating it, installed it in the kitchen. It gave the room some badly needed character and has never needed any further treatment.
Copper pipes, wiring, roof tiles or slates, floor tiles and doors, and wood panelling are some of the valuable objects that are saved for recycling and re-use. There are specialist yards in many towns where reclaimed old or antique artefacts are available for purchase.
Tall Buildings
The demolition of tall buildings requires expert techniques. In some cases a wrecking ball on a crane may be used to demolish the top part of a tall building until it is down to a manageable height. However this process is rarely used due to the uncontrollable factor of the swinging ball and the proximity of other buildings.
Other methods of demolition of tall buildings are by implosion using explosives, controlled collapse and piecemeal. Also ‘High Reach’ demolition excavators are used where explosives are not possible. Once the building is down to a more manageable height demolition continues in the usual way.
The steeplejack Fred Dibnah became famous in the late 1970’s for his work on demolishing tall chimneys without the need for explosives. He would cut an ingress at the base of the chimney, use wooden props to support the brickwork and then burn the props so that the chimney toppled hopefully in the right direction.
The tallest building to be lawfully demolished was the Singer Building of New York in 1967/8. More recently the collapse of the World Trade Centre after the 9/11 attack in 2001 illustrates the terrible devastation that could occur if the demolition is not controlled and very carefully contained.
In the demolishing of tall buildings and large structures water hoses and spray equipment is used to control the dust and would is termed a wet demolition.
Explosions
What comes to mind for many people when they think about demolition would be the dramatic collapse of a tall building using explosives. However it is usually the process of implosion, using explosives, that brings down a tall building so that it does as little damage as possible to the surrounding environment. Implosion is essential for dense urban areas and is very fast, the collapse taking only seconds, with the building falling inwards into its own footprint.
Using explosives is specialist work and is a very skilled process and getting it wrong can be disastrous. If an implosion is not prepared correctly the danger may be damage to neighbouring structures or even killing onlookers from flying debris. Even more dangerous is a partial collapse of a building where the remaining structure is unstable and there are still primed explosives that failed to go off. Workers are in great danger if or when continuing the demolition.
Other risks of working with explosives occurs when the atmospheric pressure from low cloud above the implosion site will cause the shockwave to spread outwards instead of upwards. The wave of energy and sound created will break windows and cause other damage to the surrounding buildings.
Because of the dangers of working with explosives, implosion will only be used when other methods are too costly or impractical.
Health and Safety
Demolition of any building is highly dangerous and is a much more complicated and technical process than most people would realise. Experienced and skilled operators are essential to ensure safety for both workers and public alike. The stability of any structure is reliant on the interdependence of its component parts, so an incorrect sequence of dismantling could result in an unplanned collapse.
Health and safety is paramount in demolition work so personnel working in the industry have to be adequately trained. It is advisable for operatives to have gained a Certificate of Competence in Demolition to ensure they have the necessary skills and safety awareness. All demolition work is regulated by the Construction, Design and Management Regulations.
Sequence of Demolition
There has to be a sequence of actions before any demolition can take place. Each area council will have their own specific list for planning approval, but a typical order would be as follows:-
Provision of Information
The demolition company must provide information about the construction to be demolished, its previous use and the appropriate demolition method to be applied including disposal of hazardous substances.
Survey of Demolition
Identification of any structural problems as well as risks associated with hazardous or flammable substances such as asbestos removal requiring thorough asbestos surveys of the site. (E.g. Where petrol has been stored, ie disused garage, precautions need to be taken to prevent a fire hazard).
Preferred and Safe Method of Work
A reputable company involved in demolition will be able to select the appropriate method of disposal. Planning and outlining the dismantling process is necessary for assiduous monitoring. A detailed statement outlining the safety process needs to be agreed by all parties involved before any demolition can take place.
Preparation and Planning
There is a lot of preparation to be done before starting work on demolishing the building itself. Issues such as asbestos abatement, disconnecting utilities, rodent baiting, dealing with hazardous substances and making safe any electric, gas or other services have to be resolved.
Protection of the Public
Where demolition is carried out in heavily populated areas the protection of the public is paramount. Safety cannot be compromised. Temporary services may need to be arranged, health hazards assessed and people disturbed will need to be informed.
Conclusion
The word ‘demolish’ is interpreted as the deliberate and controlled collapse of a structure. Demolition work is a very hazardous business and demolishing any building is a complex and skilled process. The aim in demolition is to remove an unwanted building as safely and quickly as possible, recycle or re-use most of the old material, and clear the site ready for the subsequent use.
In the centre of Nottingham over the last few years there has been a major reconstruction of what was an old car park into a brand new shopping development. While this was going on the public were only really aware of the boarding around the area, a change in traffic direction and maybe some big lorries going in and out of the site.
So the next time you see buildings being demolished to make way for the new, give a thought to the company involved who’s team are daily working in a dangerous environment, adhering to all of the regulations and carefully and meticulously carrying out the project to bring us the modern conveniences we have come to expect and clearing the way for the future.
Posted on March 29th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
When you buy a home infrared sauna, you can choose either an indoor or outdoor model. You should make a decision on the model before you shop and buy. The models for indoors /outdoors vary, so make that decision before you are ready to purchase. I would suggest if you re in doubt regarding indoors or outdoors, look at the different models and what is required to install both and the footprint both types of models would require. Just knowing the difference between the two might help make up your mind for how you want to enjoy your new corner sauna . Indoor sauna has their merits as do the outdoor models.
Your decision will be important since the construction of an indoor home infrared sauna is different from an outdoor model. The indoor sauna model is designed more with the exterior finish in mind to blend in with the appointments in the room where the sauna will be used. The outdoor model will provide stronger construction to provide the necessary longevity to withstand the outdoor elements. Consider an outdoor home infrared sauna has a roof to prevent water from leaking inside the sauna during rains. Outdoor saunas construction for the outdoors will have reinforced joints to withstand heavy wind and driving rains. The inside construction, likewise, is heavily protected against any leaks to protect the electrical installation.
After all your considerations of what you want from your new sauna and how you want to enjoy it, you have finally decided on the outdoor model sauna, make sure that it is fully certified for safety and quality standards. Another very important consideration for the outdoor sauna model, selecting an area that is somewhat elevated where there is no possibility of flooding during some unexpected storms. If your yard area is an area that continually floods during heavy rains, then you will have to construct a base or foundation support to raise the sauna off the ground… This will prevent water from reaching your outdoor sauna. Unlike in an indoor infrared sauna that has a more simple installation with just a simple plug into a 110 outlet, the outdoor sauna will require a profession electrician for the proper power outlet installation so you can enjoy your new outdoor infrared sauna with peace of mind that it has been installed properly.
I would advise, however, that if you have ample space in your home to buy an indoor type of infrared home sauna. No matter what Mother Nature might bring to your area you won’t loose one day of use do to the weather, or just not having the desire to walk outside in the rain or snow or blizzard to get to your sauna.
Posted on March 28th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »
Every business is unique, so the applications and requirements for DVD copier are going to be unique. There are a variety of questions you should consider before purchasing a cd dvd duplicator. Once you answer these initial questions you will be on the right path in making an informed decision.
The first question you need to answer is what type of data do you need to duplicate? Will they be CD Audio, Video CD or DVD, or Photo CD or DVD or combinations of data types? If you are a church ministry, audio recording is the norm, and with certain duplicators this can be done while the sermon is in progress. This is also true for bands and musical groups that want to duplicate their own recordable DVDs or a live recording. These DVDs can be made “on-the-fly” with live event recorders featuring direct video input devices. Businesses and colleges that produce DVD catalogs use a combination - multi-media presentations, forms and even video. You’ll want to know the specific formats you anticipate duplicating so you can limit the duplicator models you consider to those that will support all of your required format types.
You should also try your best to estimate the number of recordable DVDs you’ll need to duplicate during some fixed time period. Be it a day, week, month or quarter, your volume requirements will play a very important role in narrowing down the universe of available models to the most appropriate ones. Certain DVD duplicating applications require very fast turnaround times for varying volumes of discs, while others have broad production windows with lots of advanced notice of the production requirement. Do you need to produce DVDs immediately after a meeting or recording session? Or do you have a longer window allowing you to mail out to customers? Short production window parameters will significantly narrow the list of appropriate duplicator models for you to choose, but if you have the luxury of long lead times, your options are fairly limitless.
What you want the physical disc to look like after it has been produced, and how it will be presented to the ultimate recipient of the disc is also important. Will you want a 4 color silk screen quality print on the surface of the disc to provide a professional look in a clear cover jewel case? Maybe you want to include your logo and some simple text, or perhaps you don’t require any identification on the disc at all. Whichever the case, you’ll want to determine your requirements in this area before you start comparing duplicator types and models.
Who will be using the machines is another factor. Are you going to be asking the office manager or department secretary to copy DVDs just like you ask him or her to make copies of your monthly activity report on the photocopier? Or perhaps you have someone with a high level of technical expertise who is going to produce the CDs for the next point release? Either way, you need to give some thought as to who the “users” will be. You don’t want to invest in a product that’s too difficult to use…and therefore isn’t, or one that’s real easy to use, but as a result doesn’t provide all of the features that the power users need.
Another important point to consider is whether or not you want to limit or maximize access to the CD DVD duplicators. Determine if your goal is to make it available to others just like any other office machine such as a fax or photocopier, or is it a tool that is better off locked where only authorized staff members can use it. Think this issue through before you make your purchase, and you’ll avoid any potential for ‘buyer’s remorse’.
Posted on March 28th, 2009 by jon with No Comments »