Demand for projectors soars on World Cup eve

Mr Yashpal D., an employee in a private organisation, who watched bits and pieces of Pakistan's batting during the semi-final match, at his office, was in for pleasant surprise on his way back home, as a local resident had put up a big screen on the space available near the roadside for watching the match. Courtesy: the LCD projector hired on rent for the people in the area.

Similar such incidents were reported in many parts of Mangalore on Wednesday.

Now, India's win at Mohali and entry to the final has created a good demand for LCD projectors in the city.

Rentals rise

Mr Manju Pal, who lends such projectors for rent in Mangalore, told Business Line that the average daily rental for an LCD is Rs 1,250-1,500.

On Wednesday, when India and Pakistan clashed at Mohali, there was good demand and the rentals went up to Rs 4,000-4,500. Mr Pal managed to provide the projectors to 13 locations in the city. “I have eight projectors with me, and managed the others from my friends,” he said. Of his eight projectors, two were bought just to meet the demand during the cricket match.

Shortage in market

Mr K. Narasimha Prabhu, an event manager in the city, said there is shortage of LCD projectors in the Mangalore market. “Everyone has taken the available ones. The enthusiasm to display the match by individuals or clubs on large screens in open spaces in the city is boosting the demand,” he said.

Mr K.K. Naushad of Shads Music World here said he provides the gadgets for Rs 500 an hour. However, he did not say how much it would be on Saturday. “We only give LCD projectors on rental basis. The organisers have to take the required permission from local authorities,” he said.

Key clients

Mr Pal said major clients are the youth clubs, individuals, and students' hostels. Though most hotels in the city have their own LCD projectors, those who lack them have shown interest to set up one for the Saturday's match.

For the India-Sri Lanka final, the rentals are hovering around Rs 7,500 a day. “For tomorrow's match, I have got queries from around 25 people,” Mr Pal said.

Mr Anish Naik, an auto spare parts dealer in Mangalore, who enjoyed the India's win on the big screen with his friends in a luxury restaurant, said that he and his friends have booked the same table for Saturday. “We want to watch the final on the big screen from the same table. We are a bit superstitious about this,” he added.