DIY Video Projector

[Undream]

also, that picture is out of proportion, but you get the idea.
the actual height of the entire plastic casing of this thing is only 5.5"

Small feet swiveled out, so, when it stands on those, it is about 7.5-8" tall.

Its very, very, simple, I was able to take it apart in about 10 minutes.

[oftheend]

Be careful with that 500 watt halogen. I just picked one up today as well, and in testing, i melted a heavy plastic fresnal at a foot away from the light in open air. By the way, my workilght has a glass fron that covers the bulb, and that glass is also a uv filter. I tested for a second without the fresnal, and the fresnal seems to make no real difference in my setup. So instead of using a fresnal, i might use a large piece of thick glass, about 3 inches away from the lcd, creating an airspace to protect the lcd, and fans circulating through this space.

[thelaw]

Hi again,

A few ppl here have mentioned that they would rather have a self contained unit based projector rather than going the OHP route.

This is also the way that I would like my project to go.

I would be very interested to see any pictures of self-built units and there results at whatever stage.

Does anyone have any pictures of their setups in operation? (other than the ones already posted on websites)

Thx,
Jon

[Undream]

I have a digital camera. As I progress, I'll definitely start taking pictures. I did not want an over-head projector either. I'd rather rip apart one, take all the parts, and do it myself. I think its going to be nicer that way, more portable, and better looking! Sure, it might have 2 or 3 plugs and on-off switches, but, hey, no problem with that

I'm getting married on Saturday the 27th, so, I will be honeymooning in the Southeast Carribean for 7 nights. My project will probably move forward after I get back... if I'm not too exhausted from all that... *cough* relaxing.

[thelaw]

LOL

Congrats

[jvisaria]

Hey guys i think he means SEX!

[braxton]

This question is directed to all those that have tried LCD projection panels plus overhead projectors.

I was just wondering what the video quality (colors/fast motion) is like when playing a VHS tape or DVD or whatever?
Obviously it will depend on the panel, but I just want a general idea.
The reason why I am inquiring is because I am considering investing several hundred dollars in such a set-up, and want to make sure it will be worth my while.
From what I have read from this massive thread, this seems to be a very common route people are taking.
However, I came across an article which compared several high end LCD projection panels (including the Sharp LC2500)(http://www.macworld.com/1996/05/features/2017.html)
and the article basically stated that all panels tested were brutally bad for displaying NTSC video. Here is a quote:
When we spot-checked the display of video directly from an NTSC source–that is, video intended for a television rather than a computer (we used a laser disc)–quality took a nosedive. Few panels were able to keep up with the view from an airplane as it zipped over scrubby desert trees, displaying instead a blur of shifting polygons, though the Telex unit did the best. The desert's bright earth tones appeared as muted grays and browns, while from an indoor clip, "video-legal" shades of crimson and teal, which any monitor or other video-display system should be able to handle, popped out so brightly that they looked like fluorescent paint. Overall, we suggest that you display real video with a television–or convert your video to QuickTime movies.

Is this quote accurate, or are they exaggerating?
great forum BTW!

[thelaw]

Hi,

I think this article was probably referring to TN (twisted nematic) based LCD screens which are much slower at refreshing by todays TFT standards.

A TFT screen will create a fast, crisp picture.

HTH,

[gtwolf99]

Enjoy your special weekend and week in the Carribeans.
We will be looking forward to your return...
Make sure to use sunblock and whatever other protection you may need or don't need any more...

[jjasniew]

Thanks for the drawing - I always wondered what one of those looked like inside. My basic suggestion is still to stick with the OHP arrangement - and try to make it better.

Some panels are fast, some are slow. I realized this when I was watching a movie through the infocus power view 820 - and I could see pieces of dirt on the projected film the DVD was apparently made from. Didnt notice those with my Nview Z350 panel.

I think the powerview 820 is one of the latest generation panels, along with some of the proxima and sharp panels. I'm getting a sharp qa-2500, which is top of the line, only bested by the proxima that can do 1170X960.

I think any of the panels that can do 16.7M colors are going to be fast, as to get this color depth it has to be the "latest" technology. The 1.4M color panels are older, and as such they are probably slower. My Nview Z350 panel is from this era; it just squeaks in there under the acceptability line for motion and color. I suspect the sharp panel will be better; perfect color and fast enough to see the bits of dirt go by on the film...