| A stupid question, I'm sure - Click HERE for Original Thread |
| Ictar |
I've looked five pages back, and tried searching for the answer to these questions, so if it has been posted before, my apologies. I've been looking on the net for over an hour at this stuff, including on this board, and hadn't had this little question answered, so I thought I'd post.
So I want to build my own projector. I am reading up and see that the lens I use has to be the same size as the LCD monitor. So can I use any size of monitor, as long as I find a lens the same size?
And if I get an LCD monitor, will I be able to have a *cheap* setup that allows me to disconnect from my computer and use my projector on my TV and vice versa? Or will I have to simply choose between getting an LCD monitor and then plugging it straight into my video card or finding one that will hook up to a TV, via yellow, red, and white cables (like the ones found in car TV systems)? I don't have a TV in on my video card, so I can't do it that way.
I just want to build a simple projector to start out, with one lense, one panel, and a light source.:) |
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| jcbklyny |
goto diylabs.com you'll find more answers to what your looking for there.
but... before you do I'll just let you know that the lens doesnt need to be the size of the panel. If that were the case you'd need a 15" lens! Good luck asking NASA to make you one :)
And I think you mean can you watch TV on your projector without having the computer on... the answer is yes. But unless you get a projection panel (cheap ****!) you'll need a video switcher. Something with all of your RCA and svideo in's with a VGA or DVI out depending on the LCD.
As for cheap... yes you can make it for under 250 bucks if you want to. Be beware... as soon as you do your gonna wonder... "hmmm, if it looks this good now... what would it look like If I spent some money :)" |
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| Hezz |
Ictar,
Some interesting questions. I'll try and answer some of them for you.
First you don't need a 15 inch lens to project the image but you will need a fifteen inch lens to work in conjunction with the smaller projection lens to get high light output. This is accomplished for most designs using a cheap fresnel lens. This is because large lenses are only custom made and very expensive.
A fifteen inch custom made lens would probably cost 5000-10,000 dollars to have made. You can make one yourself for MUCH less but it is a lot of work. I intend to do this and if you follow the forum for some time I may eventually have my lens made.
Also, because the LCD panels are larger in the DIY projectors they need a longer focal length lens or else the blown up image would be untolerably large. Commercial projectors can use a shorter focal lenth lens because the LCD is less than an inch across. They need more enlargement.
Next you can also use your computer to watch both DVD and television at higher resolution and less cost than your stand alone equipment costs. Assuming you already have the computer. A computer DVD rom drive can be had for 50 USD and a TV card for 50 USD. There are of course more expensive HDTV cards availaable for the computer wherein you can use your computer to record television shows. And recieve HDTV broadcasts.
Hezz |
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