| echow87 |
Note:
I have tried DIY projector with a NEC 1545V but the thing is the contrast ratio is just too low. Of course the picture quality was good but during dark scenes in movies, it is hard to see the background.
If you do want a really great picture, get a crt projector that would cost about the same as a DIY projector with a 15" lcd screen.
-or-
You can get one of those X1, which is pretty good for the price since it has 1000:1 contrast ratio and its way much brighter than a DIY projector.
DIY projector:
Pros
Image is quite decent
You built it urself
Learned about lighting/lens/fresnels
Cons
OHP or retrofitted one (bulb is usually 250 watt to 575 watt) cost a lot more to operate than a LCD or DLP projector.
When add up all the parts used for a DIY projector, it can exceed over 500, which is enough for a CRT projector or a LCD projector.
Takes a long time to build if you use a 15" lcd screen (time consuming)
80-90% of light is lost from passing through the lcd. Image not too bright.
I am not telling you that DIY is not good, but trust me, if you havent seen one in action, then go buy some parts and make one. It is comparable to a $1000+ lcd projector that has contrast ratio of 400:1.
Also, I am not going to quit the DIY projects. I am just waiting for a way much higher contrast ratio 15" lcd screen. If anyone knows where to get one, please link me. |
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| mhelin |
| Running with 250W metal halide lamp is actually cheaper than using LCD or DLP. Actully you can almost build the whole DIY projector for the price of a spare lamp. You are right with the black level issue, maybe there is some way to make the black more black, like with some filters. |
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| echow87 |
| quote: | Originally posted by mhelin
Running with 250W metal halide lamp is actually cheaper than using LCD or DLP. Actully you can almost build the whole DIY projector for the price of a spare lamp. You are right with the black level issue, maybe there is some way to make the black more black, like with some filters. |
Also,
Some ppl might not realize this but some lcd panels/monitor's default contrast is probably around 65%. If you upped it to the max, the picture quality would be much brighter. |
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| diylabs |
There are 2 things that have kept me from buying a professional projector. The lamps are still WAY too expensive for any respectable projector, and also I love doing stuff myself. There are many other reasons I'm sticking to this project, but those are the top two.
I've recently decided that I don't like most DLP projectors. They suffer from making the screen movement choppy during scenes where the camera pans quicky or a car drives quickly across the screen. I had the chance to see a very expensive DLP and a medium priced LCD projector side-by-side recently, and this phenomenon was very obvious - now I have a hard time not seeing it anymore. The X1 undoubtadly suffers from this, which is not to say that it isn't a cool projector for the price, but I just don't want to spend $1000 bucks on a projector that has a pretty severe flaw like that in its design.
There are LCD panels out there that have 500:1 contrast ratio. They cost about $250 I think. So that should mostly fix the black level and contrast ratio problems. And also, the condenser lens that I'm having made for DIY Labs should greatly increase the overall output of your DIY projectors as long as you are using a bulb that you can put this lens near to (within about 1-2" of the light source).
Hopefully it doesn't seem like I'm trying to lead you guys down a path here - I think the X1 is great for the money, but I still think that I like my DIY projector for $400 instead (especially since it costs $35 to replace its bulb instead of $400 for the X1). |
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| MSman |
Hi, echow87
I know you posted sometime back, but maybe this information is still interesting to you and others.
Yow where saying that the contrast rate for LCD's where too low and you're looking for higher rates, then maybe this will help.
True Resolution: 1280 x1024
Contrast Ratio 700:1
viewing Angle 170° horizontal, 170° vertical
Response time 16ms Rise, 9ms fall
CVBS composite signal
S-Video Y/C signal
and more... interested?
[QUOTE]
These guys are offering complete DIY Kits TFT Panel and Controller included with TV Tuner and Remote Control as option.
Only thing is they do not state a price, I've emailed them last week asking for more info, but as yet no answer |
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| 18wheeler |
| The kit is for DIY TV not DIY projector. the panel is too large (19") to find any reasonable price fresnel. |
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| PaulH_1980 |
Originally posted by DIYlabs:
| quote: | | I've recently decided that I don't like most DLP projectors. They suffer from making the screen movement choppy during scenes where the camera pans quicky or a car drives quickly across the screen. I had the chance to see a very expensive DLP and a medium priced LCD projector side-by-side recently, and this phenomenon was very obvious - now I have a hard time not seeing it anymore. The X1 undoubtadly suffers from this, which is not to say that it isn't a cool projector for the price, but I just don't want to spend $1000 bucks on a projector that has a pretty severe flaw like that in its design. |
I have also noticed something similar to what you are referring to. With the Compaq MP2800 I noticed if I moved my eyes from one spot of the screen or moved my head suddenly, I would see a flash of RGB blocks, or lines for some reason. I asked a friend who was standing next to me if he saw this also, and he confirmed it, but decided it was because he was drunk. *heh* Well I know I did see this, and it was distracting as it made me feel slightly like I was experiencing motion sickness whenever it happened. I did not notice this with the other projector which was an LCD Epson Power Light 7300 but this projector also suffered from issues with tracking/interference lines, and some color issues. I would say every projector has it's pros and cons. For a similar thread of what Alan is referring to please check my post:
Ultimate LAN-Party: DLP vs. LCD [Split Screens & Dual View]
It is an interesting comparison between commercial DLP and LCD projectors. Hope this helps...
-Paul- |
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| MSman |
| Wheeler u must take a look at the whole homepage, ther are diffrent sizes of panels there is 7",10,4",15" 19" and bigger |
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| diylabs |
Someone mentioned a DLP vs. LCD comparison a couple of entries ago. I have to warn people about DLP projectors for a moment. Even though they typically have much higher contrast per dollar spent than LCD projectors do, DLP still isn't a perfect technology. I know that some people have complained about the "rainbow effect" with DLP's, but they also have a more fundamental problem for projection that applies to everyone.
DLP projectors give a flickering sensation during scenes with a lot of motion, like a train wizzing by really fast or when the camera pans one way or the other really quickly. I hadn't ever noticed it before, but then I saw a side-by-side with a high end DLP and an entry level LCD projecor recently, and the flickering/jittery motion was really noticible in the side-by-side, and ever since then I always notice it on DLP projectors. Some LCD projectors also do this, but most do not. That could actually be because the pixels don't have enough time to change states quickly enough to cause the flickering.
Anyways ... I'm not trying to say that DLP projectors are crap - I still like them. But do take a look at the projection on each model before buying one - each one is a little different and you may notice stuff like this on some models, but not on others. Just food for thought. |
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| JC-21 |
| quote: | Originally posted by 18wheeler
The kit is for DIY TV not DIY projector. the panel is too large (19") to find any reasonable price fresnel. |
Yes, the rest of the site has several different sizes available.
I have a couple of e-mails in to them as well, for pricing.
I am hopeful. Looks very good, and if I am going to try this - it will have to be levels above what I can already get (used albeit) for $500.00
-Jayson- |
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| echow87 |
seems like no one is talking about crt projectors.
Well I just ordered a pretty good model - 8" Barco Data 800.
I will post pics later on when the item arrives and I will tell also tell you the difference between:
My DIY Nec 1545V, contrast 250:1
Dell 2100MP - Very similar to the Infocus X1, contrast 1800:1
Barco Data 800 CRT 8", contrast 20,000:1 |
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| diylabs |
whoa! how did you get one of those CRT projectors?! In my personal opinion, it just doesn't get any better than CRT. I know that sounds very old school to a lot of people, but if you compare the picture quality of a well-calibrated CRT to any LCD or DLP projector, my guess is that the CRT will win in quality even though they tend to be much more expensive per performance characteristics (lumens, conrast ratio, etc.).
Let me know how it goes. I've heard some negative things about the Dell, but for the money you can't really complain too much. But man - I envy you with your CRT projector! |
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| faithblinded |
I've regularly seen Barco 800's and 808's going on eBay for under 800 bucks, depending on the hours. I've been wanting a Barco 808 for sometime, and was ready to buy one until I came across these forums. Undoubtedly, CRT's provide something LCD and DLP projectors won't, TRUE black. Not to mention when it comes to a projected image, colors tend to be more vivid and realistic on analog equipment. A well configured CRT will please any video enthusiast.
Having said all that, the cons of CRT are keeping me away until I can really afford to build a real theater room around a CRT. Until then I think that a DIY LCD projector is the way to go.
1. CRT projectors can easily weigh upwards of 150 lbs. This factors in particularly if you can't find one locally. Also this means you pretty much lock into position and never move it.
2. They require convergance. With some projectors this is easier than others, but it is a time consuming tedious task regardless of the projector. This is one more reason the projector can't be moved. If you move it, you have to reconverge it. Not necessarily a bad thing if you have a good location where it can be permanently, but for us DIY types, portable or at least semi easily relocateable is a good thing, since most of us don't have a dedicated theater room.
Those are my biggest beefs with crt pj's. I will most certainly have one someday, but not until I can build a room to properly display it's beautiful picture, and have it permanently mounted.
Until then I'm gonna start my LCD pj.
Besides, for the engineering inclined, what could be more fun than ripping apart an LCD and turning it into something so much better.
Haven't started my pj yet, but I'm scouting for parts. Plan on building something along the lines of the Aluminum MK project on the forum. Some modifications will be made, but my frame will be similarly constructed.
While we're on the CRT subject, has anyone tried to use a CRT pj lens in a DIY LCD pj? I wonder if they are color filtered or clear.. Anyone tried this? I've seen them go for under 40 bucks a few times on eBay.... |
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| diylabs |
I think you'll be happy with your CRT pj as long as you can get it calibrated correctly - I had forgotten how much of a pain that can be. Another con, I just remembered, is that there are several controller boards inside and some of those tend to wear more quickly than you'd like.
As for using those lenses for a DIY pj, you can and cannot. Those lenses have an increadibly short focal length, so the LCD has to be nearly in contact with the rear of the lens. For this reason, the LCD has to be smaller than the inside diameter of such lenses, which usually means using a crappy auto LCD. Be careful what you get for a CRT lens though - some are made for curved CRT's while others are made for flat (That's the type you want). I know from experience that Delta 20's and Fujinon IV lenses work well. The Delta 20 was my preference because of size and because it had a built-in focus slide that was easy to adjust, whereas the Fujinon was a fixed lens and very heavy. Both gave great images, though the Delta gave a smaller image that was more easily managed. If I could find a good small LCD panel (high resolution and easily modified) then I'd start making smaller projectors - there are fewer ways to lose light when you do that, in my opinion.
I, too, will be trying to build a Mk II in aluminum. I just purchased a rivet gun and about 100 rivets online. Just in case anyone is wondering, I only ordered it online because another tool that I had to get online came from a store that has a minimum order amount. Wouldn't ya know it - I was about $2 shy of their min order, so I picked up a cheapo rivetter. Oh well.. |
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| ace3000_1 |
I think alot of us have been in here long enough to understand that nothing compares to a film projector, the only down fall for film is that films are no longer sold for the home user and the noise these things put out, u just cant beat film. Weather its crt, dlp or lcd and even film projectors, at the end of the day lets face it u get what u pay for, dont expect to get real cinema quality for under 20k, even 50k, as for dlp vs lcd, lcd is the winner, why? ever heard of lcos? (liquid crystal on silicon), these have very good black levels with contrasts out doing crt, they are the new future for super high reso and contrast projectors and they arent cheap, they are also reflective lcds not transmisive, with that being said here money is an issue, these are by all means not cheap, but will replace, dlp, lcd and crt portable projectors within the next 15years, getting back to the tech of today, dont be too picky with your image guys, as i said u get what u pay for, tech has limitations for what money can buy even in the high up gear, its the nature of projection, hell even tv's still have a crap reso that looks like ****, and plasma wont do it for me either hence its problems vs price. Nothing is perfect.
Trev |
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