Hi, I'm new to this forum and the idea of all this stuff. I was looking at getting a projector but the bulb life scares me. First I pay over $1000 for the projector and then every 2,000 hours I need a new lamp.. which will cost me anywhere from $300 to $500. Can you say ouch if you use it a lot? I would feel like I'm trying to limit my use of it just to save money. Anyway...

I'm interested in possibly building my own but my girlfriend (possibly soon to be fiance then wife) isn't excited about it at all. I told her I was thinking about getting a projector and she asked why. Obviously she doesn't understand but then trying to get her to buy in on the idea of having a HUGE box for a projector in the room will be nearly impossible. So, my question is, has anyone made one of these but on a smaller scale than the 15"? Are there quality LCD displays that can be used in smaller sizes? If I bought the plans is it possible to change the plans to work with smaller sizes? The current size is unacceptable to my gf.. to me I don't care but if the woman isn't happy, she'll make sure I'm not.. hehe.. you get the idea..

So, I saw this online and was wondering if anyone has used it or had experience with it. It seems like a good deal for a small screen. $189 and it states it does 1600x1200. That's awesome.. if it's true.

Innovatek IN-700VG 7" Protable TFT LCD Monitor

As for my background, I know I could complete this project. I'm an engineer with electrical experience and hardware experience. I also made my own coffee table and TV stand so woodworking isn't an issue either. Building doesn't worry me.. That's not a problem, it's the matter of if this would work on a smaller scale. Would I need to go to get special lenses for the smaller size or just move them closer?

Thanks for any help provided.
azeiku

The actual resolution of that panel is 800x480, same as the Lilliput. I believe that panel has been stripped and it was a snakepit of FFC issues.

Why do they state, " High Resolution 1600 x 1200 " then? I don't get it.

So is there any smaller LCD panels that do XGA that could be used with your plans? I know that this post answers some of these questions such as the length of the projector will remain the same. So it's just the width and height will decrease? I wonder if that would be enough to convince the "wife".

You also mentioned that it's "a snakepit of FFC issues" What's that mean? From reading around on the site I gathered that FFC is the connector between the LCD to the electronics for communication. Is that correct?

Thanks again,
azeiku

The physical resolution and dot resolution are what's important here, that's the actual resolution of the LCD. The others, like "supported resolution" are just telling you what signals it can accept. So, it will accept a res of 1600x1200, but will scaled it down to its physical resolution of SVGA widescreen.

Ah, well thanks.. then that stinks.. I don't want 640x480. I might as well watch movies on my current TV (Sony 24" or so CRT) If I'm gonna go big I want to improve the resolution from what I have as well. I won't play video games in 640x480 and I would have a hard time watching movies in that mode as well.

So then I have a question, let's say I did get a 15" LCD monitor display and plugged my PS2 into it. What resolution does that run in? What's the native display mode for PS2 or standard DVD players?

Thanks,
azeiku