Hey Everyone,

Heard about this site the other day and absolutely love it. I have read many threads and topics and have decided that this definately is something I can do. I am a college student so my budget isn't sky high, but I do have the time to put into making this really good. I have a few questions regarding components.

My first is the LCD. I really want to use a "widescreen" (I know 16:10 isn't correct but it's close enough for me) for my projector. There are may choices available however I was wondering what size would be optimal. I was thinking 19" because their prices are great (~$150) and their contrast ratios / dot size are supieror to 15.4" and 17". Also since screen size is measure diagonally, the 19" isn't THAT much larger than the 17". Is this a good idea or am thinking too much from a computer modder/gamer standpoint?

This brings me to the next logical question: lens choice. If I do go with the 19" widescreen, are there lenses available that wouldn't break the bank or should I stick with the smaller screen so I can more easily find a compatible lens? I guess I just want to make a super sharp widescreen projector to match my current computer build. Case size/cooling isn't a problem as I have pleanty of space for the enclosure and a plethora of computer case fans and coolers so that shouldn't be a problem with a larger screen. Any help here would be great.

Thanks a lot, there are many knowledgable people here (and more friendly than the computer mod websites )

The 19inch screen would be pushing the best lens lumenlab offers which is 200 dollars itself. I purchased the 17inch screen and with the pro lens, it would be fine. Without breaking the bank, it would probably be better to find that 15 inch or 15.4 panel. The lens for that is only about 65.

If you only plan to watch 16:9 content then a widescreen is a good choice. If you have any 4:3 content, I would go with a 4:3 or 5:4 monitor since it will be much smaller on an widescreen. 19" widescreen doesn't really offer any benefit over a 17" for standard format content. 17" will display 720p just fine, while a 19" won't display 1080p so I say save the money and space or go with a 1080p capable monitor such as a 15.4" WUXGA.

Thanks for all the info!

I guess the main question everyone asks is the am I going to be watching widescreen content one? To answer this, yes I will mainly be watching 16:9 (DVD's and over the air HDTV) and playing some PC games (and I will use the widescreen option if available). I also have a ton of engineering applications which can be set to 16:9 format or I can use the extra space for displaying two windows. The only 4:3 format stuff will be the very occasional analog TV and maybe a nintendo wii if I decide to get one.

Using the above info, do you guys have any suggestions for a 17" LCD panel?

Thanks again.

Edit: Ooops I forgot to ask: also I noted a thread (can't find it now) that had something to do with switching between 16:9 (10) and 4:3 aspect on the projectors. I remember maybe a mirror or something? If you could point me to right direction to where that was or perhaps offer some advice as to how to make a projector that can do both? Thanks.

While doing some research for 17" widescreens I came across this.

Looks fairly decent to me but the response time is worrying me. It says <25 ms which means it is probably a 25ms response. This, I don't think, will work well for my PC games. Are there any other better 17" widescreens out there? Thanks.

eBay is blocked for me here so I can't see the monitor, however, 25ms would be too slow for gaming. Under 16ms would be practical but personally I wouldn't settle for anything over 8ms with these new super GFX cards able to put out crazy FPS since you won't be able to see them all. I plan to do PC gaming on mine and I purchased a 3ms LCD If you give a price range and if you need digital DVI input or not, we can make recommendations.

Oh ya price range. Sorry about that guys. That's kind of a very important point. I was thinking around $200 but I am willing to go anywhere up to about $250 if it's worth it. Anything lower is always appreciated.

Also DVI is a *MUST* because my current graphics card only has DVI (I can get an adapter but....I don't feel like it ) I mean, if DVI in a 17" widescreen is a problem or huge cost increase then forget it, but I would most definately prefer it.

The only trouble I am having is finding a 17" widescreen with a low enough response time. I guess I'm not searching hard enough. Thanks for the info and help.

Well it seems that I'm hard pressed to find a nice 17" widescreen that will fit my specs (the refresh rate is killing me). I think I'm going to bite the bullet and buy a 19" one on newegg because the prices are great and the contrast, response time and and dot is much better than anything else I've found in a smaller size. I just want to know if the pro lens will fit this size monitor. The box space I'm not too worried about because I'm thinking of building a folded design (test out my engineering skills). Also if there is anything else I should watch out for when using a monitor this large please let me know. Thanks.

the problem is, no one really makes 17" widescreens anymore since there is no market. you should look for 17" widescreen LCD TVs sine theres a ton of those floating around. You might find one with DVI in

I think I found it! Westinghouse (Best Buy - last place I would have checked because they are usually overpriced). Here is the link.

Quick specs if the above doesn't work:

Screen Size 17"
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 768
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Response Time 15 ms
Brightness 400 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio 600:1
Dot Pitch 0.288mm
Inputs 1 D-sub, 1 DVI-D

If I were to go 17" I think this would be the one. However I can get a 19" widescreen for about $50 less with faster response time. Is it worth it (keeping in mind there WILL be games played on my pj). Or will the pro lens not fit / be a pain? Thanks for all the unput thus far.

The 17 will make for an easier PJ build than the 19"

The pro lens CAN handle a 19", but you're reducing the overall throw of the projector, which is one of the primary benefits of the pro lens.

15ms is fast enough for games, unless you're the ultra-picky type. There may be some ghosting on really fast motion FPS, but overall, it should be fine.

I got the same screen it was looked great when I hooked it up to my HD cable box. You can get it refurbished from ecost.com for $138.

Sweet deal at ecost. This is definately the monitor I will use. Thanks for all the help. Once I get starting on my build I start a plog and let you all know how it ends up. Thanks again everyone!