I got a free 17" benQ LCD the other day, because the lady couldn't get it to work. So I brought it home and opened it up, and the LCD panel works great from what I can tell.

My Question is Is there any way that I could replace the backlight with l.e.d.s or a cold cathode?

I guess I could turn it into another projector, but I don't really need another one.

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-LCD-backlight/

Just follow this instructable but adapt it to the size you need including allot more leds or

http://hackedgadgets.com/2007/02/18/lcd-mo...led-conversion/

Almost the same thing but uses the existing diffusers and just replaces cathode lighting with LEDs

good luck!

I also have a 17" LCD with no backlight.

These are generally very similar from LCD to LCD, and if I hadn't already thrown out hte backlight from my projector's 17" LCD, I'd have installed that. As is, I figure that I'll be able to come across something that'll work at some point in time. I've been considering LED as well. Gotta look at how the diffuser in this monitor works...

another instructable for LCD backlight.

shows you how to replace the backlight invertor.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Replace-LC...y-Monitor-for-/