Abstract:
A self-contained audio/visual presentation system for ease of use. In networks and methods for providing audio/visual presentation systems to facilitators, such as meeting facilities, and by the facilitators to customers of the facilitator, an owner supplies one or more audio/visual presentation systems to a facilitator without relinquishing at least some of its rights to the audio/visual presentation system. The facilitator rents the audio/visual presentation system to its customers. The facilitator compensates the owner for each use of the audio/visual presentation system. A user may obtain an access validation, use the access validation to actuate (e.g., turn on) an audio/visual presentation system, and operate the audio/visual presentation system.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,756, filed Jan. 8, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,759, filed Jan. 8, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/143,761, filed Jan. 8, 2009, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention, in various embodiments, relates generally to audio/visual presentation systems and, more specifically to self-contained audio/visual presentation systems that are configured for ease of use. 
         [0003]    The present invention also relates to methods by which audio/visual presentation systems are provided to facilitators, such as meeting facilities, and by the facilitators to customers of the facilitator. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a business method in which an owner supplies one or more audio/visual presentation systems to a facilitator without relinquishing at least some of its rights to the audio/visual presentation system, the facilitator rents the audio/visual presentation system to its customers, and the facilitator compensates the owner for each use of the audio/visual presentation system. The present invention also includes networks including the owner, a number of meeting facilities, and, optionally, third party service contractors. 
         [0004]    In addition, the present invention relates generally to video presentation methods and systems and, more specifically, to methods for presenting video and accompanying audio on another party&#39;s audio/visual presentation systems. In particular, the present invention relates to methods in which a user obtains an access validation, uses the access validation to actuate (e.g., turn on) an audio/visual presentation system, and operates the audio/visual presentation system. Audio/visual presentation systems that require a user to provide access validation prior to operating are also within the scope of the present invention. 
       RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Currently, audio/visual presentation systems that are configured for use in conference rooms, assembly halls, convention centers, and other meeting rooms include a number of separate components that must be assembled. A typical audio/visual presentation system includes components such as a video display and various sound system components, such as a mixer, amplifier, and speakers. 
         [0006]    The assembly of these components with one another is typically quite complex, as the components must be properly connected to one another, usually with an array of different types of cables, and adjusted to function in concert with one another. Because of the complexity that is typically involved in setting up and taking down conventional audio/visual presentation systems, these functions are frequently performed by skilled technicians who charge a premium for their services. Even when a skilled technician is employed to set up a conventional audio/visual presentation system, it typically takes a half an hour or forty-five minutes to complete the process. 
         [0007]    Oft times, skilled technicians must also be employed to couple a user&#39;s equipment to the audio/visual presentation system, to train the user to properly operate the audio/visual presentation system, and to remain onsite during the user&#39;s presentation to ensure that the presentation system will function properly in conjunction with the user&#39;s equipment. 
         [0008]    Parties that conduct meetings often do so away from their own offices, or “offsite,” at a location such as a convention center, a hotel conference room, or another meeting facility. When audio/visual presentation equipment is needed for an offsite meeting, the party that conducts the meeting either has to transport and set up its own presentation equipment, or contract with the meeting facility or a third party to provide and set up the necessary audio/visual presentation equipment. 
         [0009]    Currently, audio/visual presentation systems that are configured for use in conference rooms, assembly halls, convention centers, and other meeting rooms include a number of separate components that must be assembled. A typical audio/visual presentation system includes a number of separate components such as a video display and various sound system components, such as a mixer, amplifier, and speakers. 
         [0010]    The assembly of these components with one another is typically quite complex, as the components must be properly connected to one another, usually with an array of different types of cables, and adjusted to function in concert with one another. Because of the complexity that is typically involved in setting up and taking down conventional audio/visual presentation systems, these functions are frequently performed by skilled technicians who charge a premium for their services. Even when a skilled technician is employed to set up a conventional audio/visual presentation system, it typically takes a half an hour or forty-five minutes to complete the process. 
         [0011]    Often, skilled technicians must also be employed to couple a user&#39;s equipment to the audio/visual presentation system, to train the user to properly operate the audio/visual presentation system, and to remain onsite during the user&#39;s presentation to ensure that the presentation system will function properly in conjunction with the user&#39;s equipment. 
         [0012]    When a meeting facility has its own audio/visual presentation equipment onsite, the meeting facility has invested significant time to identify and select components that will satisfy their customers, and significant capital to purchase such equipment. In addition to that cost, the meeting facility has to employ skilled individuals who have the technical know-how to set up and use the audio/visual presentation equipment, train the parties who will be conducting meetings with the presentation equipment to properly use the presentation equipment, resolve any issues during use of the presentation equipment, take the presentation equipment down, and maintain the presentation equipment. Meeting facilities that own their own audio/visual presentation equipment must also bear the costs associated with maintaining and replacing such equipment. 
         [0013]    The difficulties that are involved with owning and maintaining audio/visual presentation equipment may be avoided by contracting with third party providers. However, third party contractors typically charge a premium for use of their equipment and services, and they or their equipment may not be available during the times it is needed by the customers of a meeting facility. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The present invention includes self-contained audio/visual presentation systems that are configured for use without the assistance of, or with minimal assistance from, skilled technicians. For the sake of simplicity, audio/visual presentation systems according to various embodiments of the present invention are also referred to as “presentation systems.” 
         [0015]    An embodiment of a presentation system of the present invention includes a frame that carries a number of preassembled components, including a controller, a video display, and a discrete sound system. The controller is configured to establish communication with a source of digital video data (e.g., by a single connection) that has been provided by a user. The controller is also configured to control operation of the video display and the sound system. Once communication has been established between the controller and the source of digital video data, the controller receives video and, in some embodiments, audio signals from the source of digital video data. The controller may transmit a video-only signal directly to the video display and, if present, a separate audio-only signal directly to the sound system. 
         [0016]    The presentation system may also include a user access device in association with the controller. In such embodiments, the user access device may be configured to restricts operation of the controller and, thus, of the remainder of the presentation system until the user access device receives valid user access data. 
         [0017]    The present invention also includes various embodiments of presentation methods. In use, a source of digital video data, such as a computer or a memory device, communicates with the controller of an embodiment of presentation system. Such communication may be effected simply by coupling a single cable from the source of digital video data to the controller, or by establishing a wireless connection between the source of digital video data and the controller. The digital video data may then be conveyed from the source to the controller and, when instructed, the source or the controller may separately transmit video signals and audio signals to the video display and sound system, respectively, of the presentation system. 
         [0018]    In embodiments where the presentation system includes an active user access device, a user may be required to input valid access data before the presentation system will function. In some embodiments, input of valid access data is required prior to actuation of (e.g., providing power to, turning on, etc.) one or more other components of the presentation system. In other embodiments, valid access data must be input before the controller will receive digital video data from a source of the digital video data or before the controller will transmit digital video and/or audio data to other components of the presentation system. 
         [0019]    The present invention also includes various embodiments of a method by which audio/visual presentation systems are provided to a facilitator, such as a meeting facility, and made available to customers of the facilitator (e.g., users of the meeting facility, etc.). For the sake of simplicity, audio/visual presentation systems are also referred to herein as “presentation systems.” Networks and methods that incorporate teachings of the present invention may, however, include use of any type of audio/visual presentation system. 
         [0020]    In the present invention, an owner places presentation equipment in possession of a facilitator while retaining rights to the presentation equipment. In some embodiments, the owner also retains responsibility for maintaining and servicing the presentation equipment. 
         [0021]    The facilitator provides its customers with access to the presentation equipment, who may rent the presentation equipment from the facilitator. The facilitator compensates the owner by paying a usage fee to the owner each time the presentation equipment is used (e.g., each time one of the facilitator&#39;s customers rents the presentation equipment, etc.). In some embodiments, the facilitator may be obligated to pay the owner a minimum periodic (e.g., monthly) usage fee. 
         [0022]    The owner may contract with a third party dealer to maintain the presentation equipment and, in some embodiments, to provide technical support to the facilitator or the parties using the presentation equipment. 
         [0023]    The present invention also includes embodiments of networks including an owner, one or more facilitators to which one or more presentation systems have been provided by the owner, and, optionally, a service provider under contract with the owner to service and/or provide support services to one or more facilitators and their customers. 
         [0024]    In an audio/visual presentation method according to embodiments of the present invention, a party uses an audio/visual presentation system, or, more simply, a “presentation system,” at a location where a meeting is to be conducted. That location is remote (i.e., away, offsite, etc.) from the party&#39;s usual place of business. In such a method, the user may reserve the presentation system, obtain an access validation for operation of the presentation system, and operate the presentation system. 
         [0025]    The present invention also includes presentation systems that only operate when activated or activated when valid access information or data is provided. In various embodiments, such a presentation system may include a controller that communicates with a media source provided by the user and that controls operation of the various video and audio components of the presentation system. Some embodiments may include an access device, which receives the access information or data, associated with the controller. 
         [0026]    Other aspects, as well as the features and advantages of each aspect of the present invention, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In the drawings: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of audio/visual presentation system of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of another embodiment of audio/visual presentation system of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is schematic representation of an embodiment of a network through which audio/visual presentation systems and services are provided to customers who will only temporarily use the same; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation illustrating an embodiment of use of a presentation system; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of audio/visual presentation system of the present invention, which only operates when appropriate access validation has been provided. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a presentation system  10  of the present invention includes a frame  20 , a controller  30 , a video display  40 , and a sound system  50 . Controller  30 , video display  40 , and sound system  50  are affixed to or otherwise carried by frame  20 . A housing  25  may surround and contain frame  20 , as well as portions of controller  30 , video display  40 , and sound system  50 . In some embodiments, video display  40  may be extendable from and retractable into housing  25 . Controller  30  communicates with video display  40  and sound system  50  by way of various cables  60  (e.g., power cables, video cables, audio cables, etc.). Presentation system  10  may also include a central power supply  21 . Additionally, movement of presentation system  10  from one location to another may be facilitated by way of a transport system  26  (e.g., wheels, etc.) associated with frame  20 . 
         [0034]    Central power supply  21  may include a power cord  22  for receiving power from an external source (e.g., an electrical receptacle in the wall of a room, etc.), as well as various other components (e.g., a rectifier, one or more electrical converters, one or more transformers, etc.), and may be configured to supply power to controller  30 , video display  40 , and sound system  50 . In the depicted embodiment, central power supply  21  is associated with controller  30 . In some embodiments, central power supply  21  may be a part of controller  30 . 
         [0035]    Controller  30  communicates with a separate source  90  (e.g., a computer, a memory device, etc.), which is typically provided by a user of presentation system  10 , to receive digital video data, along with any corresponding digital audio data, from source  90 . Communication between controller  30  and source  90  may be established through a port  31 . In various embodiments, port  31  may comprise a VGA connector, an S-video connector, an HDMI connector, a memory card receptacle (e.g., a secure digital (SD) card slot, a compact flash (CF) card slot, etc.), or the like. 
         [0036]    Controller  30  includes at least one processing element  32 , which may be programmed to perform a variety of functions. One of the functions of processing element  32  is the processing of a digital video signal, which may also include a digital audio component. Another function of processing element  32  is the transmission of separate video and audio signals to video display  40  and sound system  50 , respectively. More specifically, a video signal, which carries digital video data, may be transmitted from processing element  32  to video display  40  along a video output element  33 , while an audio signal may be transmitted from processing element  32  to sound system  50  by way of an audio output element  34 . 
         [0037]    In addition, processing element  32  of controller  30  may be programmed to control operation of video display  40  and sound system  50  in a manner known in the art. Processing element  32  of controller  30  may also, in some embodiments, be programmed to provide some control over the transmission of digital video data by source  90 . 
         [0038]    Processing element  32  may also be programmed to limit the use of presentation system  10  to individuals who have obtained valid access information, or data (e.g., a valid access code, etc.). In some embodiments, access information that is provided to user and input into processing element  32  may include information about a time range over which the user has received access to presentation system  10 , and limit operation of presentation system  10  to that time range. 
         [0039]    Controller  30  or processing element  32  thereof may be embodied in any manner suitable to enable it to perform its various functions. In some embodiments, controller  30  or its processing element  32  may comprise an appropriately configured audio/video receiver. In other embodiments, controller  30  or its processing element  32  may comprise a computer. Alternative embodiments of controller  30  or its processing element include specialized circuitry, including, but not limited to, microcontrollers, circuit boards, memory elements, and other electronic components that have been assembled with one another and function together in a manner that will enable controller  30  to function in a desired manner. 
         [0040]    As indicated previously, controller  30  may also serve as (i.e., include) or otherwise be associated with central power supply  21  for presentation system  10 . In some embodiments, controller  30  manages the transmission of power to other components of presentation system  10 , including the transmission of power to video display  40  and to various components of sound system  50 . 
         [0041]    Operation of controller  30  may be effected through a user interface  35  (e.g., a touch-sensitive screen, buttons, knobs, etc.) on presentation system  10 . Additionally, in some embodiments, controller  30  may be equipped to receive control signals from a separate remote control  36  in a manner known in the art (e.g., through an infrared communication port). 
         [0042]    Video display  40  may comprise any suitable video display device known in the art. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1 , video display  40  comprises a flat panel display, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or plasma monitor. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , video display  40 ′ comprises a video projector of a known type, and may be used in conjunction with a screen (not shown). In such an embodiment, the flow height, or angle of incline, of video display  40 ′ may be adjusted. Such adjustment may be effected manually or automatically. As is known in the art, adjustment of the flow height may enable use of video display  40 ′ and, thus, of a presentation system including the same, with screens of different heights and sizes. Video display  40 ′ may also be adjusted to accommodate use of a presentation system in rooms of a wide variety of sizes. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, video display  40  may include only one video input port  41 . Video input port  41  may have a somewhat unique configuration so that video display  40  may receive signals only from controller  30 , and not from any other source, enabling restriction of the use of video display  40  and, thus, of presentation system  10  to users who have properly obtained access validation. In a more specific embodiment, input port  41  may comprise a “scrambled” connector (e.g., a scrambled VGA connector, etc.) with conductors (e.g., pins, etc.) arranged in a manner that differs from the standard arrangement of conductors in a similarly configured connector. In other embodiments, video input port  41  may have a nonstandard configuration. In still other embodiments, a permanent connection (rather than a removable cable) may establish communication between controller  30  and video display  40 . 
         [0045]    Sound system  50  may include a variety of components, including, but not limited to, an amplifier  53  and speakers  54 . In embodiments where digital audio signals are conveyed from controller  30  to sound system  50 , sound system  50  may also include a digital-to-analog converter  51  (which may comprise a stand-alone component or be part of another component, such as amplifier  53 ). In some embodiments, particularly where controller  30  is not the only source for sound (e.g., when a microphone, music player, or other audio source is to be used), sound system  50  may also include a mixer  52 , which mixes audio signals from multiple sources before conveying the same to amplifier  53 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, speakers  54  may be extendable and retractable. Accordingly, such embodiments include speaker supports  55  that are configured to convey speakers  54  away from and toward the remainder of presentation system  10 . Speaker supports  55  may be manually oriented relative to the remainder of presentation system  10  in some embodiments and, in other embodiments, they may be automatically oriented (e.g., by way of one or more motors  56 , etc.) relative to the remainder of presentation system  10 . When speaker supports  55  are configured for automatic orientation, their orientation may be specified through and controlled by controller  30 . 
         [0047]    In addition to the foregoing componentry, some embodiments of a presentation system  10  according to the present invention include a user access device  60 . User access device  60  may communicate user access information to controller  30 . Some embodiments of user access device  60  may be configured to read data from a user access element  62 , such as a card, in a manner known in the art. One embodiment of such a user access device  60  is an optical scanner that scans and “reads” information from a bar code on a user access element  62 . Another embodiment of user access device  60  that may be included in a presentation system  10  a magnetic card reader (e.g., a credit/debit card reader) that obtains information from a magnetic strip on a user access element  62 . Of course, other embodiments of devices that restrict access to a presentation system  10  of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]    An embodiment of a method for setting up a presentation system  10  of the present invention consists essentially of (as minor adjustments may be made, and user access information may not be required) transporting presentation system  10  to a desired location in a room, providing power to presentation system  10  (e.g., plugging power cord  22  into an electrical outlet, etc.), turning presentation system  10  on, and establishing communication between a source  90  of digital video data and a controller  30  of presentation system  10 . Communication between source  90  and controller  30  may consist of establishing a single communication link (e.g., one cord, a wireless connection, etc.) between source  90  and controller  30 . Non-essentially, speakers  54  may be placed in a desired orientation, and the audio and video output of video display  40  and sound system  50  may be adjusted. 
         [0049]    Use of presentation system  10  may merely include causing source  90  or controller  30  to play a digital video signal (which may include one or more corresponding audio signals). Some embodiments may additionally require that user access information, or data, be entered into controller  30  (e.g., manually, automatically, etc.) before presentation system  10  may be used. 
         [0050]    When presentation system  10  is no longer needed, it may simply be turned off and power cord  22  disconnected from the external power source before being moved to a storage location. 
         [0051]    The diagram of  FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a network  110  by which audio/visual presentation systems are provided by an owner  120  to a number of facilitators  130 . Each facilitator  130  has customers  150 . In some embodiments, owner  120  also establishes relationships with one or more third party service providers  140 , which may also be referred to herein as “dealers,” which provide support services to one or more facilitators  130 . 
         [0052]    Owner  120  has rights to a number of presentation systems. The presentation systems may, in some embodiments, belong to owner  120 . In other embodiments, owner  120  may lease the presentation systems from another party. Owner  120  may, in some embodiments, bear responsibility for providing each facilitator  130  with technical support. In some embodiments, owner  120  may be responsible for maintaining, servicing, and replacing the presentation systems. 
         [0053]    Owner  120  may contract with one or more service providers  140  to fulfill any obligations that owner  120  may have to maintain or service each presentation system and/or to provide technical support for the use of each presentation system. Each service provider  140  may be trained to use the presentation system that has been provided to a facilitator  130 . A service provider  140  may also have the technical expertise to maintain and/or repair the presentation system, or they may have access to other parties with such technical expertise. 
         [0054]    In addition, a service provider  140  may deliver presentation systems to each facilitator  130  for which it bears responsibility. In some embodiments, a service provider  140  serves as an intermediary between owner  120  and a facilitator  130 , and may establish relationships between an owner  120  and various facilitators  130  with which presentation systems are placed. 
         [0055]    Presentation systems are provided to each facilitator  130  by owner  120 . In some embodiments, owner  120  provides one or more presentation systems directly to each facilitator  130 . In other embodiments, owner  120  provides one or more presentation systems to a service provider  140 , which then provides one or more presentation systems to one or more facilitators  130 . 
         [0056]    Upon taking possession of a presentation system, a facilitator  130  may agree to certain obligations. In some embodiments, facilitator  130  leases each presentation system from owner  120 . Various embodiments of lease terms are within the scope of the present invention, and may include a minimum term for the lease, minimum monthly charges to facilitator  130 , and the like. In a specific embodiment, a facilitator  130  agrees to compensate owner  120  by paying owner  120  a predetermined fee for each usage of a presentation system. The term “usage” may include, but is not necessarily limited to, situations in which a customer  150  of facilitator  130  obtained and paid for information to access a presentation system, but did not use the presentation system, as well as situations in which facilitator  130  allows a presentation to be used without compensation and, of course, situations in which facilitator  130  receives payment for the use of a presentation system and the presentation system is used. In a more specific embodiment, facilitator  130  agrees to pay owner  120  a minimum periodic (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annual, etc.) usage fee for each presentation system in facilitator  130 &#39;s possession. In even more specific embodiments, the minimum periodic usage fee may be a fixed periodic fee or it may be based upon a certain number of expected uses during the period (e.g., three uses each month, etc.). In some embodiments where facilitator  130  is required to pay a minimum period fee, owner  120  may provide facilitator  130  with credit for paid for but unused sessions on a presentation system (e.g., if the presentation system is used only once during the period, but the fee paid by facilitator  130  for that period corresponds to the fee for three uses of the presentation system, facilitator  130  may not be required to pay additional money to owner  120  for the first two uses of that presentation system during the following period, although the minimum fee for that period will still apply). 
         [0057]    Facilitator  130  may also, in some embodiments, be required to provide owner  120  or its agents (e.g., service provider  140 , etc.) with access to each presentation system that has been placed in its possession. Such access may enable owner  120  to inspect its equipment, to confirm that facilitator  130  is meeting its payment obligations, or for any other suitable purpose. 
         [0058]    Each use of a presentation system may be recorded by a system through which facilitator  130 &#39;s customers  150  obtain a validation, or “access information,” that enables them to use the presentation system, by facilitator  130 , or by the presentation system itself. Such a system may provide owner  120  with an accounting of the money due to owner  120  by each facilitator  130 . 
         [0059]    A customer  150  may obtain access to a presentation system by obtaining a validation. In some embodiments, the validation is embodied as a card with a bar code. In other embodiments, passcodes may be provided, validation information may be magnetically stored on an access card, or validation may be provided in any other manner that may be used with the presentation system to activate the same. Each validation may be configured to be used once. Corresponding validation may be stored in a controller of the presentation system or communicated to a controller of the presentation system in a manner known in the art. In some embodiments, a validation will activate a presentation system for a fixed duration (e.g., twelve hours, twenty-four hours, etc.). 
         [0060]    The validation necessary to activate a presentation system may be obtained at an access point. In some embodiments, customer  150  obtains the validation through facilitator  130 , which serves as the access point. Customers  150  of facilitator  130  may access a presentation system in facilitator  130 &#39;s possession in any suitable manner. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, access to a presentation system may be provided through a web page. In a specific embodiment, facilitator  130 , or an employee of facilitator  130 , accesses the Internet, logs on to a validation web site (which may be owned by or under control of owner  120  or an agent of owner  120 ). Through the identification information that is used by facilitator  130 , the validation web site may provide facilitator  130  with a list of presentation systems on facilitator  130 &#39;s premises, along with information about the scheduling for each presentation system. Facilitator  130  may then select an available presentation system to which access is to be granted, enters information about the expected time and duration of usage, obtains access to the presentation system, and is billed for a use of the presentation system. In a specific embodiment, access to the available presentation system is obtained by selection of a “validate card” “button” on owner  120 &#39;s validation web site, which causes a file to be sent to facilitator  130 . Facilitator  130  may then print the file, with the printed file containing information necessary for a customer  150  to access the presentation system. The file may be printed onto an adhesive-coated label, which may then be secured to a more rigid card. The card may then be provided to the customer  150  upon payment of a rental fee to facilitator  130 , and used by the customer  150  to activate the presentation system. 
         [0062]    Facilitator  130  provides its customers  150  with physical access to a presentation system in its possession. In some embodiments, facilitator  130  transports a presentation system to a location (e.g., a meeting room, etc.) where it is to be used by a customer  150 . Facilitator  130  may also assist its customers  150  in using a presentation system. Any service or support services may also be coordinated by facilitator  130 , either directly through an assigned service provider  140  or indirectly through owner  120 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , each customer  150  may provide its own source  190  of digital video data (which may also include digital audio data) for use with the presentation system  200 . Various embodiments of sources  190  include computers, memory devices, video and/or audio players (e.g., digital video disk (DVD) players, other digital media devices, etc.). Customer  150  ( FIG. 3 ) may establish communication between the source  190  and the presentation system  200  in any suitable manner. When the presentation system  200  comprises the embodiment described in reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , communication may be established by way of a single, simple connection, and presentation of the digital media supplied by the source  190  may be controlled by the user, in some embodiments without the assistance of technical personnel. 
         [0064]    When an offsite meeting is to be conducted by a party, that party contacts a meeting facility, such as a convention center, an assembly hall, a hotel with conference rooms, or any other suitable facility for holding meeting. The meeting may include a media presentation, including video and audio components, and may, therefore, necessitate the use of audio/visual presentation equipment. For purposes of this disclosure, the party conducting the meeting is also referred to as a “user.” 
         [0065]    In various embodiments of the present invention, when the user reserves space from a meeting facility, the user may also reserve a presentation system. The presentation system may be reserved for use on a particular date and, in some embodiments, reserved for a certain duration of time on that date. The presentation system may be reserved online (e.g., through the meeting facility&#39;s website, etc.), over the telephone, in person, or in any other suitable manner. 
         [0066]    Once the reservation has been made, the meeting facility provides the user with an access validation. The access validation may be configured to provide the user with access to a specific presentation system (i.e., it may not be used with other presentation systems of the same type). The access validation may be configured for use only on the day that the user has reserved the presentation system. In some embodiments, the access validation is configured to be used only once. The access validation may provide a user with access to the presentation system for a predetermined period of time (e.g., twelve hours, twenty-four hours, etc.), which is also referred to herein as a “session.” In a more specific embodiment, once the access validation code is used to activate or actuate a presentation system, an internal clock will enable the presentation system to be used for a predetermined period of time. The presentation may be turned off, unplugged, and/or moved to a different location and turned back on during the predetermined period of time, but once the predetermined period of time has expired, operation of the presentation system ceases and, if further usage of the presentation system is desired, the user will be required to obtain additional access to the presentation system. 
         [0067]    The access validation may be embodied in any suitable manner, such as in the form of an access card, an access code, or the like. In embodiments where the meeting facility provides the user with an access card, the card may include a bar code that embodies access information or data, a magnetic strip that carries access information or data, or any other suitable embodiment for carrying access information or data and conveying the same to a complementary access device (e.g., a bar code scanner, a magnetic card reader, etc.), or “reader,” associated with a controller of the presentation system. In embodiments where the access validation comprises a card with a bar code, the bar code may be printed onto an adhesive-coated label, which may then be secured to a more rigid card before being provided to the user. 
         [0068]    In embodiments where the access validation comprises an access code, the access code may be entered into the controller (e.g., a computer, etc.) of the presentation system in any manner known in the art (e.g., manually, vocally, etc.). 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , prior to conducting the meeting, the user may use the access validation  312  to activate or actuate the presentation system  310 . The manner in which a user&#39;s access information or data is provided to presentation system  310  depends, of course, upon the form in which that access information is embodied (e.g., as a card, as a code, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, presentation system  310  includes an access device  314  for obtaining access information or data from an access validation  312  that comprises a card. Upon receiving the user&#39;s access information or data (from access device  314  in the illustrated embodiment), a controller  316  of presentation system  310  initiates a session, enabling activation and operation of the other components of presentation system  310 . 
         [0070]    The user may establish communication between presentation system  310  and an external source  320  of a digital media signal (e.g., a computer, a memory device, a memory card, a media player (e.g., a digital video disk (DVD) player, an MPEG-4 or mp4 player, etc.). Source  320  may belong to or otherwise be provided by the user. When the presentation system comprises an embodiment such as that described in reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , communication may be established by way of a single, simple connection, and presentation of the digital media supplied by source  320  may be controlled by the user, in some embodiments without the assistance of technical personnel. In some embodiments, communication may be established simply by connecting a single cable between source  320  and controller  316  of presentation system  310 . In other embodiments, a wireless connection may be established between source  320  and controller  316 . In embodiments where a memory card carries the digital media, the memory card may be inserted into an appropriate, complementary slot of controller  316 . Of course, other techniques for quickly establishing a connection between a source  320  of digital media and controller  316  of presentation system  310  may also be used. 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, the user may receive brief instructions on operation of the presentation system. In other embodiments, use of the presentation system is intuitive, merely requiring that the user interact with instructions provided by a user interface  318  of or associated with controller  316 , and, therefore, requires little or no instruction. 
         [0072]    The user may then use presentation system  310  to present the digital media from source  320  at any time while the user&#39;s session on presentation system  310  remains active. 
         [0073]    Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not exceed the scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.