Most consumers are quick to upgrade to the latest computers, cell phones and music players as technology gets more sophisticated-but when it comes to televisions and DVD players, many viewers are still stuck in the last century.
"The analog TV system we have in the U. S. is more than 50 years old," explains Andy Parsons, spokesman for the Blu-ray Disc Association, which is working to bring high-definition home entertainment into the mainstream. "In the next year or two, people are going to see some exciting products that will make living rooms feel like movie theaters. "
What's driving this change? In a word, content. TV broadcasters are offering more high-definition programming via satellite and cable. And, movie studios are preparing to release their movies on high-capacity discs, such as Blu-ray discs, making it possible to buy, rent and view Hollywood favorites in high-definition. People who get to see a true HDTV setup showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster at their local electronics stores can see the difference in quality immediately.
"HDTV will catch on when people see that they can buy movies and games in the new format," says Parsons. Movie discs using the Blu-ray format are expected to appear in stores beginning in June. Shoppers can expect to find favorite titles such as "Crash" and the "Terminator" series available, with more and more high-definition discs coming to stores throughout the summer.
The improvement in quality, Parsons says, is comparable to what viewers noticed when they switched from VHS tapes to DVDs. "When you watch a video tape today, you really notice how poor the picture is compared to your DVDs-and you don't have the menus and all of the added features that you do with DVDs," he explains. "The shift to HDTV and high-definition discs will be just as dramatic. "
Shoppers can expect to see discs and players with competing formats, Parsons says, and they'll need to consider what they are getting for their money. For instance, he explains, they should ask questions about the breadth of games, movies and other products available, so they don't get stuck with a format with no future. Blu-ray Disc, for example, is partnering with major movie studios, music publishers and game developers, and plans to deliver the industry's broadest range of home entertainment content. In addition, the players will play all of your existing standard-definition DVDs.
Today, it might be hard to imagine what impact the new high-definition discs and TVs will have on our home entertainment viewing. However, Parsons says, "In a few years it will be hard to remember that we once thought DVDs were the coolest movie format around. "
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“The 2016 Expo is going to be more targeted than ever before on what painting contractors are asking for: course topics specific to industry segment (residential/commercial) and stage of business growth, and hands-on training.
Imagine running a business that kept you off the hamster wheel, made you a lot of money and was fun again.
“Brush care is important. Without proper storage, paint brushes get ruined quickly with frayed bristles and worn edges,”said Andy Oliver, founder and owner of Brushaper. “Brushaper was developed to give painters exactly what they need…a paint brush cover that protects, dries, and shapes the brush between uses. Using Brushaper will extend the life of your brush, saving time, money and frustration.”
This high performance tape will not dry out or lose holding power but can be cleanly removed for up to 30 days. The available 3, 2, 1.5, and 1 inch widths are sold on 60 yard tape rolls that are commonly used for drywall, glass, hardwood floors and wood trim.
Hardwood and tile floors are protected from dirt, paint, spills, dust and construction debris and damage with Presto’s floor protection film. The same clean removal without any residue is ensured for up to 45 days.
Presto’s Carpet Protection Film is a temporary, yet extremely effective way to protect carpets from tracked in dirt, paint spills, dust, construction debris, and damage.
Bensalem, PA February 16, 2016—Presto Tape introduces retail packaging for its USA made blue painter’s tape, floor protection film and carpet protection film.
Presto’s floor and 
In a news release announcing the company’s annual Vendor of the Year Awards, Sherwin-Williams stated, “With an innovative design and function, Titan’s FlexSpray HandHeld Sprayer allows individuals to spray a wide range of coatings, functioning as both a fine finish and production work sprayer. It was immediately embraced by painting contactors and DIYers alike. The innovative sprayer, coupled with Titan’s superior sales support, led to growth in the Sherwin-Williams handheld sprayer category.”
Your success starts with smart marketing. I would encourage anyone to evaluate the General Contractors within their target market area. You can even grade them as an “A”, “B”, “C” etc. contractor, based on certain criteria. The key item to consider is their reputation with other subcontractors, or if you have worked with them before, your own experience. Ask if they are fair and honest, do they pay on time, stay on schedule, do they communicate well and do they keep their commitments? By making these assessments you can build a list of preferred customers to bid to. Building relationships with this target market will also increase your odds of success if their projects tend to be more of the “negotiated” type rather than being open to all comers. This increases your chances substantially.
Once you have your bid put together, I would suggest sending a preliminary “Scope Letter” to the General(s) to allow them to preview what you intend to include in your bid. Within your scope letter be clear and keep it concise. List your “Inclusions”, “Exclusions” and “Clarifications”. One thing to note; Most Generals don’t like to see the word “Exclusions”, as it causes concern that they may not have the painting scope completely covered. It is better to say that you assume a particular area of work to be “by others” (Transparent finishes, traffic markings or any task you normally don’t perform), and offer an alternate added pricing to cover it, even if you need to get a sub bid from someone else for it.
Assuming everything is in order, you will (eventually) receive your subcontract. When it arrives, read it carefully and thoroughly; all of it. You will need to confirm that the price accounting, the scope of work, schedule, insurance requirements, dates of the plans and specifications and all other details are in line with your expectations. One of the main items of focus is the Scope of Work. Read each Inclusion and Exclusion. If there are any issues you do not agree with, make a note (list) to discuss with your customer. You may need to gather any pertinent emails or backup documents to support your contention of items you feel are incorrect. These often occur as a matter of oversight, and you should approach this phase of the negotiation as such. You don’t want to appear argumentative or contentious, but you do have to know which items are critical; “Hills worth dying on”. You should respectfully request that the contract language be amended to correct any errors, or to capture any inclusions, exclusions or clarifications you think are necessary. Do not simply write the changes into the contract yourself, as this is usually not acceptable. Once the contract is to your satisfaction, sign it and prepare to execute your work.
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