First, many thanks to Brain et al. The et al is really all of you steady contributors to these forums.

Having a photography business on the side for most of my life, I ran across this group yesterday looking for a projector to show proofs in my studio. I wanted to drive the projector with my current laptop that has a 15" 1600x1200 screen. Obviously, even if that resolution is available in commercial projectors, I can't afford it. My needs are fairly accurate reproductions of still images, not movies, although I'm sure I would use it for movies when not showing images to clients.

After downloading the guide, reading it, spending many, many hours pouring over the threads in these forums, I have three initial questions.

1. Is this a viable solution for showing images to clients? The SGI seems close to what I want to do, but in one thread someone mentioned the reduced grid or screening in the projected image. Is this the visibility of the lcd pixels? I'm assuming it is and is more apparent with smaller lcd screens. The larger SGI screen not requiring as much magnifaction for a given screen size.

2. The recent updates from Brain indicate some of the newer lenses not up to snuff, so looking for other suppliers/manufacturers. Are the required parts available for the SGI screen.

3. There was apparently a volume purchase of these screens. Are there any remaining? If so, who do I contact?

Depending on the feedback, my plan is to build a PJ with lower cost parts, then proceed to a higher res, higher cost unit.

With my experience in woodworking & electronics I could sucked into this way too easily. To say that this sounds like a blast is an understatement.

Thanks everyone.

I think the SGi would be GREAT for this application. Mainly due to the better color reproduction, but also, like you mentioned, the screendoor. It is not necessarily due to the size of the LCD, as it is to the actual pxel size. The SGi has small pixel pitch. The DPI is 110 (dots/inch). This means sharper image. The fact that it is widesceen also lends it to be good for movies too, incase you get the urge!! hehehe

I have only seen smaller pixel pitch in some of the high end laptop 15" widesceen high resolution screens, which really don't work for us, yet!

I'm using the SGI myself and I can tell you that there is no screen door effect when viewing at a normal distance from the screen. By normal I mean several feet away when projecting a 10 foot image. If you are literally standing next to the screen you can see the lines, but if you move just 3 or 4 feet from the screen it disappears completely, and with a 10 foot image the optimal viewing distance is probably at least 10 feet away.

As for the optics, you'll need the pro kit, which is currently unavailable due to a mix up with the focal length of one of the fresnel lenses. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon. I'm using the kit with the incorrect fresnel and I get a decent image but with some blurriness on the sides and the image is maybe 50% less bright than I would like. Still, I'm very happy with the results as I know when things are resolved this projector will rival any commercial pj I've come across.

Hi all
I'm new here and still learning a lot. My projector to be will use the sgi lcd so I will be needing a fresnel lens that will support it.
Since we can't get a hold of the pro lens, could we start making a list of fresnels from other sites that may work with this lcd as well as the rest of the of optics at LL, even if they cost a little more.

I'm sure www.3dlens.com/ could have something that we could use for an lcd this size.

thanks

ricoks, brutusmc,

Thanks -- very helpful.

Hey, no problem dude - I love being able to help!

(makes me feel smarter than I actually am.........muuahhahahhaa )

My pleasure. Forgot to mention, the guy to contact about the SGI is Cruser. He used to sell them in group buys but I got mine in a single buy. I think he's got a source with a virtually unlimited supply. His email is Cruser_1001@hotmail.com. Good luck.

Thanks, just sent Cruser a note.

What fresnels and proj. lenses are people using with the SGI? If you know off the top of your head, great. If not, I'm sure I'll find it as I dig further through the posts.

With a 17 inch you'll need the pro lens kit. This unfortunately is the one with the faulty fresnel. Hopefully, the situation will soon be resolved. You might ask Cruser for another option, I know he's built several projectors and I don't think he used the pro lens kit so he must have another method. Also, be aware that with the SGI you're limited to using a computer setup since there is an adapter card that converts the LCD's native input to DVI. this card comes with the SGI Cruser sells and is one of the reasons this LCD is a bit more pricey than others.

brutusmc, --yep just figured that out via Cruser's specifications and am now thinking through whether I want to require a computer for the PJ. I've got a couple I could use, but I don't know if I want a PC as part of the process to use the PJ. I was ready to do a fairly quick 15" before going with the SGI, but even those parts seem to be out of stock at Lumenlab's store. Maybe others are stocking. More decisions.

for about $100 more, you can get a multilink adaptor from Cruser and this will allow DVI AND VGA for a more flexible solution

ricoks, With this multilink adapter, is it possible to use the SGI without a computer? It would be nice if it is.

Volestra, yeah I think you really need to consider what you want to use the projector for. The SGI is a bit pricey. But I like having the wide screen which means you're not losing too much pixel space when watching letterboxed movies.

yes, it would allow that, but with the addition of a N6, or TV9, or such. It still only has DVI or VGA

Well, I'll have to check that out. Thanks