I only found out building your own projectors was even possible yesterday so I'm trying to skim off the very simple questions that I can find the answers to myself. But i'm interested in building some strange projectors so I think some of you might find the more esoteric questions amusing.

I'm in the process of applying to MFA programs in video and new media. I have all sorts of DIY projects that I want to accomplish for my portfolio. But I have very little expertise in optics, electronics or construction. I hope to get as much as I can in the next couple months. And I won't bore you until I get some results.

For my video pieces, I want to make one-of-a-kind projectors in a variety of hypothetical configurations. Some of them might be technically possible, others impossible for reasons I don't understand yet. Here goes:

1. Super-small compact projector

I am interested in building a very small box that can project a relatively small, low-res image onto the box's lid. Like as small as is possible. You might ask what the point is when you could just include a monitor at that size. But I guess that's my business.

If I use a super-small LCD from kopin or an old camcorder LCD, something along those lines, can I use photo lenses (i have many) to project onto a very close or relatively small surface? I've seen talk about using a .55 inch LCD with a slide projector -- what about something even jankier?

2. Multiple-Lcd designs.

I had an idea that I would like to make a projector that superimposes two or more images through one lens. In my imaginary projector, I would kill pixels in a pattern on each of the lcd screens so that the superimposed images would appear gridlike or like a mosaic. I'd imagine if this were even possible you'd need an extremely bright bulb, but what about the lens? Is it possible to project two stacked lcd panels in focus? If I kill pixels, will they just be opaque?

Another idea I for a multiple projector would be to make a 3-screen "cinerama" process projector from a single image. This would be to watch old cinerama movies or multi-screen films like "chelsea girls" or "napoleon" with friends. Possible? I had also thought of doing a dual-projector to screen things in alternating formats/aspect ratios. Are anamorphic images possible?

What about two separate images or interlaced images for 3-d?

3. 3-d

Anyone ever try this? I'm going to be making some 3-d videos and I want to know if it's strictly possible with cathode ray or if you can make a 3-d - capable LCD projector.

Has anyone else had thoughts of weird or impossible projectors? Experimental techniques not intended for projecting video games, movies and the like? I promise I won't steal your ideas, just looking to see what kind of craziness is and isn't possible.

thanks all!

All of the ideas you have mentioned have been discussed...

First off, Welcometo LL!
I can tell by the tone of your post that you are still fresh into the discovery. This is an excellent site and you will learn and read a LOT, but you have to start reading. Sounds like you want to start in the "designs for small panel projectors". The next few days will really cook your noodle, but it will be worth it. This site is populated by thousands of really creative and fun people!

Do your reading first, then ask some more questions.

Someone here will be more than willing to answer your questions, but you have to do the legwork first.
Have fun and welcome again!

SJ

Yeah it's definitely a noodle-cooker. I've been reading posts pretty much non-stop since 1 a.m. last night, and since 2 p.m. i've been at work! Certainly that's not enough to cover so many bases. Apologies if I'm wasting anyone's time, feel free to admin this thread out of its redundant existence. And thanks for the encouragement! I'm definitely very excited to roll up my sleeves and get cracking! And when I get somewhere I'll do some sharing

No apologies needed. Its really great to see folks so pumped up about the possibilities. I found the main problem is just deciding how you want to do it versus how much money you want to spend. But folks here will give you the skinny with a polite question and I have yet to see any long term members deride someone for being curious.

You may not realize it, but you have stumbled onto a very civilized section of the net.

Enjoy your stay!

SJ