I'm interested in using stock panels for building; I saw a few of these mentioned in a forum search, but unfortunately I can't view more than 1 post in any thread thru search.

Also, I'd be using this in a VJ setting: live projection, ceiling mounted, and moving after each gig. Do the pay plans specify any mods for making this "mobile?" Size isn't important. I know normal LCDs are very fragile, so i'd assume there would need to be buffered shockmounts...

TIA

i dont know if you could go about ceiling mounting the projector on every gig as it is pretty heavy over 30 lbs, but you can use a hass style projector with a stand and it should be kinda mobile, as for stock LCD im not sure what you mean we use regular LCD monitors that get stripped and put inside the projector , we have free plans to build here but the $20 for the forum access is worth its weight in gold.

Nice handel there Mahavishnu!
Billy Cobahm is one of my favorite drummers.....

I highly advise any LL members into funky fusion/rock/virtuoso music to listen to Mahavishnu Orchestra if you havent already.
Start with 'Birds of Fire'. Very intense and amazing stuff!

sorry for the off topic post.
Welcome, and good luck!

Some component outlets sell the LCD module with whatever VGA connector and power headers... no stand, no brand name (other than the *actual* component MFGR such as Samsung). It's just a flat plate of display pixels. Sounds like you guys pay for the whole retail monitor, then throw away parts. Just wondered if plans allowed for LCD module use rather than retail monitor use.

I'm surprised you haven't heard of them. I could post a link in private to a retailer but I don't want to be spamming the board or anything... I don't work for them. In fact, they have a minimum $50 order and I'm trying to get a $6.50 chip, but they also sell LCD modules.... So I thought I'd kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

(yoshuaspawn: Billy Cobham rules from on high. With lightning.)

The reason why we use commercially available LCD monitors is that everything is included, LCD panel, video controller board (this is where the DVI/VGA/Component/S-video/composite connections are actually made), power supply, and control button bar... and it is all offered at a very low price. Typically when you try to obtain the necessary parts seperately, it gets more expensive, thus most stay with the commercially available LCD monitors.

If you think you've found a good source for LCD panels/controllers I don't think anyone here will object to your posting a link...

Not sure that i'm clear on how you plan to use this, but is sounds like you play in a band and your looking for a Projector to take from gig to gig to show a live video of yourselves playing? If this is true, you should know that these PJ's are mostly suited to a theater environment where there is lack of (or control of) any ambient light. In the protected forums there are several people who are working on methods of increasing the lumen output of our PJ's, and also an area on screen's (again, trying to make the most of ambient light situations), but I don't think anyone would be willing to guarentee that a DYI PJ would work very well with all the ligthing typically associated with some light show used during performances. I certainly don't want to deter you from making a PJ as it really is great fun, but just thought I should mention about ambient light performance... of course I could be way off base here too !!

cheers,
gs

Thanks for your insight. Yes, I play in a band, and want to have live video during the show. To a *small extent* the lighting at the projector screen location can be controlled. (Hey bartender do you mind turning down the dimmers?)

here's that company I was mentioning - http://www.allamerican.com
I think they sell all components separately. You cannot order any of their LCD stuff online, have to call the 800 number. They don't specialize in projection/display TFTs, they are sort of a jack of all trades, with monochromatic/dashboard type screens too (irrelevent).

How about rear projection? This would solve the problem of mounting the projector on the ceiling, but I know it will inevitably reduce the light output (ambient light). This might also be good because the cables wouldn't have to be very long to accomodate the throw distance from the controlling PC to the projector location (and wouldn't have to be tacked to the ceiling for every show). Would be "cleaner" in appearance... Also, if the performer is standing in front of the screen, and the ceiling is low... he would avoid image throw across his body if he stepped in front of the screen.

If you don't mind, let's compare specs. An entry-level, 1024x768 XGA, 2500 lumen, 2000:1 BenQ DLP-tech projector is in the range of $1500. (This is the MP720p.) I'd be very interested to hear what kinds of contrast ratios are achievable with the LLP. If they are comparable, or even better, then I don't think the issue of ambient light is a relevant selection criteria - I'd have the same problem no matter which 2000:1 projection scheme I used. (DLP rainbow effect avoided by the LLP, I assume.)