I built my projector about 2-3 years ago using the pro triplet and Fresnel lens (uncut) along with a 17" samsung monitor in a unsplit straight shooter arrangement. For the most part it has worked pretty well, I get good focus and brightness.

Since I built the projector, I have got a blu-ray player and a Nintendo Wii, which I cannot connect to the projector vga or dvi inputs. I would like a LCD with higher 1080p resolution and more inputs, such as component & hdmi. It seems getting a 15.4" wuxga and associated controller (pixelworks338?) would be a option.

My question, if I do get a 15.4" wuxga monitor, I think I could just swap out the old 17" and put in the 15.4" and should be good to go, right? The projection distance will change a bit, but aside from some minor adjustments, its just a swap in, swap out of parts, for the most part?


I am still learning about the 15.4" wuxga options, I haven't been on this message board much since I built the original projector, back then it was a more expensive option to do 1080p compared to now. Trying to understand how to match the right controller with a 15.4" monitor and where to source my components. in the meantime I just wanted to know how practical this switch would be.

For the most part yes you can just switch them.

The distances will need to be tweaked a bit. Also the projection will be different so you will probably need to move the projector a bit and change you screen to accommodate the different screen size/ratio.

A less expensive route would be to purchase a 15.4 or 15.6 LCD TV. It'll most likely be only 720p (still considered HD and most will have HDMI input), but if you're willing to make the sacrifice, it'll save you some money. There are plenty of LCD TVs to be had for under $200.

This might help you with (average) 15.4" widescreen LCD measurements.

Data from: FAQ: How big is my X" Screen?

A 17" LCD is going to be about 13.277" wide (10.625" tall, but we don't really care.)

The 15.4" WUXGA screen will be 13.06" wide (8.16" tall, but since we KNOW that his is smaller, it's not going to pose a problem.

So, the 15.4" 16:10 screen is slightly narrower than the 17" 5:4 screen, and much shorter. Therefore if you just make a new LCD sled to hold the 15.4" panel, even if you cut your fresnels for the 17", you'll still be fine.