This is what I think I know:


Basic Design


Lamp -> Tempered Glass -> Fresnel Lens (2) -> LCD -> Projection Lens -> Image is Projected


Also...


It appears like you can use any LCD screen as long as:


A. You can take it apart and there is nothing blocking the back of the LCD.
B. The resolution and contrast ratio should be high (for better results).
C. Response time should be low.


The questions I am still not sure about are:


1.) Is 1024x768 considered the official High Definition resolution? I know I can look this stuff up, but it's a lot easier to hear from someone else who can explain things a little better. I honestly start getting frustrated when I start reading about 1080p and 480p (and stuff like that) because it's all so foreign to me.

2.) Can I purchase almost everything I need from the LumenLab store (other than the LCD)? I would have thought so, but I get confused again every time I look at someone's project and they list parts that are not in the store.

For example...it doesn't appear like the Joe's Bakery projector has any parts from LumenLabs.

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3215

I see several kit-type things in the LumenLab store but I'm not sure yet what I will have to purchase to achieve exactly what I want my projector to be.

3.) I guess I'm just looking for a situation where I can just buy everything from one place (except the LCD) and then put it together based on the basic design. Does it get that easy? Does LumenLab offer that type of package, and if so, could someone point me in the right direction?

4.) Do video projectors need to be made in a way that they can be adjusted? A lot of them I've looked at so far don't appear to have any moving parts.


I know I have a lot of research to do and this is my first chance to ask questions that will probably make me sound like I am uninformed on this subject. Honestly, I have done a lot of reading...and the questions I just asked are the ones I am still not sure about.

So this is where it all starts for me.


MY GOAL:

A High Definition projector that looks nice and is affordable. A resolution of 1024x768 sounds affordable, but like I said, I'm still not sure about what exactly defines "high defintion." So that might not be true high def...I'm just not sure yet.

I have always been a tech geek so I think I will start to catch on in the next couple days. I would love to have this thing up and running on June 21st (which I think is the first day of summer) but we'll see if I can make it that far.


Thanks for reading my post. I'm not kissing butt or anything, but you guys are exactly the type of people I like to be around. People who like to build things tend to always try and improve their life somehow...and that's exactly the type of person I am. So...you know...it's kind of inspiring to see your results. That's why I'm here...and I'm serious about learning about your techniques and doing a project of my own.

Thanks!

*takes a deep breath* (and we're off!)

You seem to get the basic idea of the design, accept that your LCD will be sandwiched between your two fresnels, that is, if you want keystone correction. And yes you can use any 15" LCD with the basic design, but you'd be well advised to look for one that is tried and true and proven to have very little or no FFC issues. Refer to this link for a list of LCDs that don't have FFC issues.

High definition starts at 720p, which is really 1280x720, so no the 15" panels are not true HD, although they are ED (Enhanced Definition), they will certainly look much better then a standard TV. If you want to go the HD route you will need to spend a little more but not much if you stick with the standard lens triplet and some outsourced fresnels to fit the LCD's larger size. (although I'd highly recommend the pro lens kit, you'll yield much better results). Your box will increase in size as well. Seeing as more media formats are now moving towards HD you might want to start with a 17" design. Starting with a 15" projector is also not a bad idea seeing as more people have done it and it's always easier to follow the basic design for your first build. In the end it's up to you of course. And yes you generally want a higher contrast (400:1 or higher) and low response time (16ms or lower).

You can pretty much buy anything you need for your projector here at lumenlab (aside from the LCD and a few electrical supplies), if you want, I can PM you an entire list on all misc. things you're going to need for this project. Trust me, you'll find the list highly useful and very time saving. If you don't want to have to build your own enclosure you can also order a very nice Haas design in the Trading Post section from TESCORP. Make sure to read through the V.2 Pro Lumenlab projector guide, it is very insightful and has a wealth of excellent information.

And yes the only parts on the projector that "need" to be adjustable is the focusing mech for your triplet and your front fresnel for keystoning, the focusing mech is so that you can focus your picture, TESCORP also offers these with his enclosures, focusing mechs generally aren't too complicated. You need keystoning so that you can angle your projector as needed without it making the picture look blurry.

If you need any other help feel free to ask, drop me a PM any time you have any questions or just hit people up in this section. It's good to see another person discover the beauty of DIY projectors, hope to have you around for a while, and welcome to lumenlab.

Welcome aboard! One suggestion: Read the pinned topics. That's why they're pinned.

Oh yeah . . . but - when being kissed - is normally spelled with two t's.

It's pretty much a necessity to log a goodly number of hours reading stuff to get up to speed.

That's good to hear. I don't know how much experience most people have before they attempt a project like this, but I have basically none.

Well...I'll admit, I did try to make the 100" TV about five years ago, but I certainly didn't learn anything from that thing.

I would appreciate your PM a lot! That would help me figure out the difference between a "Mega Kit" and the "Pro Lens Kit". I also wonder things like, "Does the "Pro Projection Lens Triplet" ($199) come packaged in with the "Pro Lens Kit" ($249.97)?" Or are they totally separate?

If the Pro Lens Kit is what I need in conjunction with a 17" LCD to get HD, that is probably what I would want to buy (when it comes time for me to start putting this project together). However, I originally thought I could get away with spending about $500.00 total. I'm not sure if I can stretch my money that far to build a nice looking HD Projector.

BUT, if it means spending a little more money to get a better value, I am willing to do that.


...


I looked at the Haas design in the trading section of the forums and I never came across an exact price. He makes very, very nice looking cases so I'm sure it's in the $150+ range. I would definetly consider ordering one from him, but that will depend on how much money I spend for parts.

Would it be easier to "install" everything in the Haas case? It would seem like it's just a matter of asking him for a 15" or 17" design. Is that how simple it is?

Thanks again.

That kit comes with both fresnels and the triplet. It's pretty clearly marked in the store. I can't figure out why you're confused on that issue.

From the store: "Complete lens kit for a Lumenlab-Pro projector. Includes: Pro triplet and both Pro Fresnels. For use with 15"-19" widescreen"

Anyway, now ya know.

I've got some stuff to do right now but I'll send you the list within the next day or two. And if you want to know prices on the boxes just PM or email TESCORP. He does indeed make the best boxes you can get. I'd definitely recommend getting one from him, unless you want to go all DIY and do everything yourself. Ordering one would make the process go much quicker and easier your first time around.