well, i for one am extremely excited to see more of these. NOW, if only we could get the reflector we need to work...................

I think the size of a PJ with this LCD can make a nice compliment to any HT room. NOW, one thing I have really been impressed with is the seemingly easy mounting this LCD allows. -- NICE!!!!!!!!!!

I must have missed something here, what do you mean regarding the reflectors? IKEA?
I planning on using one with a 400W HQI

Brain is coming out with a reflector made to work with the Ushio lamp, only a matter of time before its released.

Well last night I decided to go through and tweak the contrast/brightness/color of my projector (on the controller, with my remote control )

Anyways, I was able to GREATLY enhance my current image! The colors are way more vibrant, and my whites are much whiter. When I was done tweaking, I noticed that the corners were not visibly darker anymore. I am sure they are still darker now, but they arent at the point where its visible to my eyes. After the tweaking my girlfriend said it looks super bright and vibrant like my uncle's 60" Sony LCD HDTV. I need to tweak it some more but it looks even better now!

I will have to take some new camera shots and post them, hopefully now they should not have AS dark of corners.

I am glad all the new fall shows are starting up...Arrested Development, Prison Break, and CSI: Miami in HD last night looked spectacular.

Oh and I am also starting to work on some electronics that should make existing and future DIY projector controllers more compatible with inputs...for cheap!

Ummmmm, DO TELL

what do you mean by this????
are you saying an HDCP bypass, a component transcoder, what??

Ricoks

Its not HDCP bypass, but I have been looking into this for some weeks, it's definately not impossible.
I'll start with small projects and then try to move up to heavy duty stuff!

Oh and I am also going to make a little circuit that will allow me to use my controller remote control to turn my whole projector (fan,light,controller,lcd) on and off.

It's awfully quiet around here...

Minoten, what happened to your pictures? They are ALL gone! I keep wanting to do a "final review" before I visit that PayPal site but there are very few images available.

I can't afford the price, either. But I managed to get a used Sharp panel from a local supplier, with exactly the same model, same look, at USD 180, tested by the supplier for good quality.
Next, I'm ordering a controller kit from a local agent, hoping to secure a VGA+DVI+TV controller kit similar to that of minoten's, and enjoy the approximately same great view at no more than USD 300.

Luckyme,
The person who was hosting the images for me yanked the cord I guess. A person involve in the group buy was kind enough to offer me some more webspace, all of my pictures are on their webspace currently, but the site is "pending...", so I guess the subdomain request has not gone through yet. The website will be http://wuxga.benow.ca/ once the pending... message goes away.

Temp2,
Let me know how it goes, I would love to see a high quality low cost solution!




Now, theres less than a week before the group buy deadline. (Sept 30)

Unfortunately we currently have less orders than we did in the first group buy, and unless there is going to be a surge in last minute orders, I do not see this changing.

This does not pose a problem to those currently involved in the group buy, as everything will go over just fine.

But I do not believe there will be a third group buy with such low numbers in this group buy. This observation is based upon the controller manufacturers remarks to me about low order numbers, and I am sure the LCD Supplier will agree. Nothing is set in stone though...

I hope that the order numbers will rise in the next week, and we will have a nice big order to place, but I just wanted to warn those that are curious about a third group buy.

Well I too hope it picks up or that your source cuts you some slack for a future order. As I am very much interested in building a wuxga unit on a future build to work along side my xga unit (xga unit for xga fps games, i can't stand gaming in fps over that res hehe)

But the wuxga controller and panel will not fit in my wallet at this time. And I was hoping for the pro lenses to be up and running with a set price before I ordered a wuxga panel, for budgeting reasons.

Best of luck and hopefully it all goes well, as I would really like to be able to get in on future group buys

Why would you only want to game in XGA? I run all my games at 1600x1200 and I am kicking myself for not having the revised version of my monitor because I'd be able to go even higher. I love high resolution for gaming. It rocks!

On topic:

I'm currently searching for parts and buying them for the WUXGA panel projector, but I still haven't paid Minoten.. lol. I think I am just looking for all of that last minute information because every time I pay for something hindsight becomes 20/20.

Keep these threads alive! We need more interest to suck in other buyers, hehe. No, seriously, it is best to keep this active because there might not be another time after next week. Personally I think, the more the merrier.

For those who cant afford the WUXGA kit but are still interested in it, i would still try and get the controller. You can buy the LCD panel later. As Minoten said the orders are low at the moment so he does know if he will do another group buy.

I was only refering to first person shooters, I will play other games in higher rez. But for me FPS games must be played in 1024x768 or my aim feels out to lunch, guess its because I have been playing in XGA since my sli voodoo2 days. Now any other resolution does not feel right. I still know some people that play in 800x600 for that very reason.

And in regards to the controller, I am just hoping more buys come through as even that is not in the cards atm, not wife cleared hehe. I guess if he does not I will just have to find another option when I get to that point.

Minoten,

I've emailed you but I have not heard back?

Minoten is pretty quick! lol

Anyways, I have now paid up... ouch that hurt but I'm in the WUXGA club!

I have been thinking about the Pro Lens alot recently. Can someone explain to me why the Pro Lens would be better with the WUXGA panel. The basic lens is suited for 15". I would like to start to build my PJ. The size of projection i am looking for will be around 2.4 meters x 1.2 meters. Looking forward to here your comments :-)

basically the pro lens will allow you to have the projector farther (behind you or the sit). And it will capture much more light from the field fresnell because of it's larger aperture (100mm diameter).

Thanks Rox,

That sums it up. I guess i will wait for the Pro lens. But I will be able to move the PJ closer to the wall if i wish, there is no fixed distance that the Pro Lens will focus on.
The reason I say is that the max distance i can move away from the projection wall is 4 meters.

hey minoten did u get my order, i placed it on the 30th, but haven't recieved any emails or instructions

Mike-S
Maybe he's on vacation with my money? Email him... there is a link to do so on the site, link is in my signature. One thing though, if you're not too late, can you be quick with the payment, like PayPal because I think you will hold up the order for the rest of us.

brutuz

For the money you paid for that panel, what is $29 for a temporary triplet? Just build it! I wouldn't wait.. just be sure that you can retrofit your built with the new lense when its ready!! If I was you.. I would definitely get taht baby up and running.

yeah, thnx for the help, ill email him + i plan to pay using paypal so i hope to not delay anyone else

Just a heads up to the last day buyers...

I will be sending out your invoices tomorow, there is no rush at this point as everything is closed down tomorow anyways.

I apologize for the delay I am usually much quicker but I had classes then a late Friday and then I woke up this morning and went to see the ASU USC game and here I am half dead just showered wanting to go to sleep... (100+ heat no shade for 5hr game)

I agree with lucky_me, people who order fast should not slow down the group buy process, they need to send their payment quickly and using a fast service (paypal, wire transfer, overnight/3-day mail). I will be suggesting this when I send out invoices.

Hey Minoten I have a question for you. Does the WUXGA Controller have the 2 Audio inputs on it ?

The picture on your website shows them but the Controller Guide shows pics without them.

Thanks.

The 1st group buy boards didn't have the audio inputs.

My first venture into projectors [after the failed magnifying glass in front of a television] was to buy a DLP projector. I saw things that I thought were 'the DLP rainbow' but after more learning, I came to realize that it was the 16.2 [?] color [dithered] that annoyed me. Once in a while, like in the Fellowship of the Rings, on the side of the snow covered mountain before Frodo falls and Boromir picks up the ring, the snow would shimmer white-silver-white-silver . . . if you do not have 16.7 color [32 bit], then the LCD will use 9 pixels to simulate a color in the center pixel that it was not pre-programmed to make [the real problem is where there is a great expanse, like the snow covered mountain, and also the white tiled wall in Matrix-Revolutions, at the beginning in the subway station: dozens of pixels need that color that is not built-in, so they start shimmering, a.k.a. flickering].

Although verb0ten's screenshots sort of tell me to go make some extra money before this deal goes away forever . . . the answer to the question is 'if you are a perfectionist, yes, it will be noticed'

msk1c,

A DLP color wheel has ~ 5 colors, they make 16.2million colors out of 5 colors....5.

I do not feel it is accurate to compare an LCD panel that uses 256,000 colors to display 16.2mil colors against a DLP that uses 5 colors to make 16.2mil colors

DLP has come a long way, the new samsung 1080p DLP's are beautiful.


ANYWAYS...

THE SECOND GROUP BUY IS OVER

I am not in the process of collecting money from all the buyers!

someone send my a message when HDCP is possible.. I would love to be able to participate in this program but for now I fear I will have to keep with my plan for a regular projector since I need HDCP and DVI. Kudos for this awesome project, the wuxga and the the other one. The pictures are awesome, and I feel kinda bad that I'm gonna be buying a commercial one. I plan to read up some more and hopefully I can find a way around my HDCP requirement for now.

Any update on the status of the Group Buy?

Quick Update on a few things...

Group buy
There were quite a few last minute orders, and some people took a while to send payment, but we are almost ready to order. I am currently waiting for the last 4 peoples payments, which are on the way. I would have liked this to all happen sooner, but I guess this happens when there is a group buy.
I am going to be in touch with the Controller Manufacturer and LCD Supplier in the next few days, discussing our order number and manufacturing time. Once payment is received I will place the orders and then we will wait for the items to get here. Then all there is left to do is address verification and some packaging and shipping.
I will send out a mass email to all buyers once payment is received, for now it is a waiting game, unfortunately.

My latest projects
So I said earlier that I have a few projects I am going to be working on...
One of them is a cheap & easy high quality YPbPr -> VGA converter. I have all the components here to start testing and prototyping, but I need to find the time to mess with them. I have noticed that an equivelant converter costs $60+ and does not even support all resolutons (1080p), so I figured I could step in and lend a hand. I am not sure what I will do with this project, I may try to produce these converters and sell them, or sell the kits to make them, or just release the schematics, I don't know.
My second project, which I am currently working on, can be labeled a...DVI-D Booster. It has a DVI-D input, and DVI-D output, and it will be able to have custom resolutions programmed right into the EDID. I have verified my design and have successfully run it with my WUXGA Projector. As for where this project goes next, I am not sure...we'll see in a few weeks.

Anyways, time to go watch CSI:Miami in 1080i

Has anyone tested any HDCP DVI-D sources on their WUXGA Kits?

The reason I ask is because I picked up an ASTC HDTV Tuner box today, that said "DVI with HDCP"...and for kicks I plugged it into my projector, well what do you know...no fuzzy signal or anything, a super clear digital image!
At this point I was wondering whether the HDTV Tuner box wasnt outputting HDCP signals or maybe the WUXGA Kit was able to decypher them...so I took apart the brand new Tuner box. Inside I found the SiI170 chip, which appears to be an HDCP transmitter. So I am wondering if the WUXGA Kit supports HDCP, despite it not having the GM1601h chip...

I am going to pick up a different source in the next few days and retest my projector...this is very interesting, could put my dvi-booster project on the wayside.

well, my understanding was that it may work, but it will be scaled down to like 480i, or something like that?!!?
It will still look AWESOME, as my 27" CRT Sony Trinitron TV looks awesome when i feed it HD thru S-vid from my computer - NOT HD, but still looks AWESOME - it's all in the source!
just some thoughts...........

Thanks for the ideas Ricoks, but this is definately HD material...
Input is 1920x1080 as shown by my controller, and I can tell with my eyes :-)

I ordered a HDMI->DVI cable, when it comes in I will be able to grab a HDMI-capable DVD player and test it out...

I got my HDMI->DVI adapter Friday, and I went and picked up an upconverting DVD player today.

The upconverting DVD player outputs 480p/720p/1080i from the HDMI output (HDMI has HDCP, it is part of the specifications).

Well my Projector accepts the HDMI signal when I put in a burned DVD...but when I put in an original DVD (finding nemo) it displays only a blue screen. So this makes me think that the dvd player detects a retail DVD and then encrypts it in HDCP, otherwise no HDCP is applied.

So I think I can conclude that the WUXGA KIT does not support HDCP as it is.

The good news is that my other projects are going along smoothly...

Well for anyone looking for an upconverting DVD player for their 15.4" Kit, I found one.

The Samsung DVD-HD850. With 4 simple steps with the remote you can disable HDCP !!!

And the good thing is , you can use a HDMI-DVI converter to use with the 15.4" Controllor OR you can use components with a VGA-to-Component adapter. !!!!

They both will allow you to use either 480p, 720p, or 1080i with the 15.4" Controller through either of the above (component of HDMI)

I tested this with a 19" LCD with DVI and VGA inputs. Before the code , no image . After inputting the code, PRESTO , NO MORE HDCP !!!

Oh by the way , the code.

Using the remote.
1. Power on DVD player with no disc.
2. Press "angle" button after it displays the message "no disc" (nothing will happen on the screen)
3. Press the numbers, 4 ,3 , 2, 7 (nothing will happen on the screen and you won't see the #'s as you push them)
4. Press "angle" button again.
5. "HDCP Disabled" will flash on the screen.
6. Open and close the dvd tray to "set" the code.

Oh and I got my refurbished on Ebay for $99.98 shipped. And the seller has more.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1

HUGE EDIT ..........................................................................................
....................................................................................

The Samsung HD-DVD841 also works with the same code !!!!
It is an upconverting DVD player with DVI instead of HDMI so you wouldn't need an HDMI-to-DVI converter for it !!!!
They are on EBAY for $50 = $25 shipping BIN.
THAT'S $75 FOR A HDCP FREE UPCONVERTING DVD PLAYER THAT WILL WORK WITH OUR LCD'S !!!!!!!!!

jonjandran,

Excellent post! That is some great information. I may have to pick one up, I hate having to turn my computer on to watch a DVD.

HDCP is the devil.

Speaking of the devil...my current project is moving along nicely, have been busy lately (just paid for the WUXGA controllers & LCD's), but I have double checked everything and I now have a PCB prototype board ready to be manufactured for me. I also have an order placed for the components necessary to complete the board. Hopefully I can have all the parts and pieces within the next two weeks, and have it fully assembled some time thereafter, I'll post some pictures when I have something professional-looking to show off (instead of my jimmy rigged test boards connected with a mess of components).

@All WUXGA owners (or soon to be )

SIMUL8R has a thread on how how they are removing anti-glare from LCD screens. They are still working on it. Anyway my question is, would anyone be interested in trying this on a defective WUXGA panel? Im sure we could find some on eBay.

SIMUL8R Post
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?s...ic=7882&st=2200

Success log
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8283


SIMUL8R Screeshots without Anti-Glare
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?s...opic=7459&st=40

Don't worry brutuz, as soon as I get my Controller in I will do before and after shots with the Antiglare on and off .

I already have my Sharp 15.4" WUXGA screen, but I want to wait on the controller to make sure I document everything as I do it.

My box is already set up for the new Kit, just need that controller.

Nice one jonjandran! just becareful taking that antiglare off Hope you can post details of how you removed it.
Im just waiting for the contoller too, and the Pro Lens

VERY interesting! I have not been following this, and this is the first time I've heard of it. The results look incredible!

I have an old SGI 17" that I am going to try this out on first (Im going to try the paper towel trick), then I'll try it on my WUXGA ($$$)...

This is exciting!

I just did some digging around on the SHARP panel...I found this information:







Color filters, Hard-Coating 2H?
Are these just standard features that the marketing department jazzed up, or are these things unique to our panel?

Anti-glare removal is still an experimental process. We have had some short term successes, but to give it a try on such a $$$ panel would not be prudent.

That said, I see little reason that this panel would not take to the modification.

AVS: I don't have time right now, can please pull up the acronym on this, or any information on it?

Color filters: are found in every panel. What these people are claiming is a higher performance filters. This would indicate that they take a more accurate cross section of the color spectrum. This means they will absorb more of the colors they are not meant to pass, and possibly have a higher transmittance of the color they are meant to pass. Removing the anti-glare will do nothing to the color filters. They are embeded beneath the glass substrate.

Backlight: Obviously has no effect here.

Hard-Coating 2H: This is the only area that you may run into some problems as far as specs go. Having a 2H hard coating means the display can resist scratching the hard coat by writing with a 2H pencil. This is better than the usual 3H hardcoats that we have been permeating. So it is possible they may be impermeable to the liquids involved in the modification.

Low Reflection: is simply the effectiveness of the anti-glare.

If you can confirm that there is in fact an anti-glare treatment, and not just an anti-reflective treatment I would say there is only benefit to be had by modifying these panels.

I would also like to confirm that AVS is just a crystal technology as in the case of Samsung.

I must stress this is by no means a tried and true process. I am just establishing now, for instance, if it is best to clean the PVA immediately or wait until the PVA dries with the water technique. We just completed the extreme overexposure test this morning.

Mark.

Thanks Mark.

Bear in mind, there is still the solubility of PVA issue. oztang64 gas apparently found a panel with a very high solubility grade PVA. We don't know how this grade would have reacted to ragging, or stripper.

Mark.

Very helpful info. Would there be a way to see if this works on other Samsung HD800 series players? Cuz Ubid has 113 of the HD841 for currently $24 ($22 shipping and ends Monday). Anytime there is multiple sellers on eBay selling refurbished products, odds are they got them at Ubid. Nice job jonjandran!

GREAT FIND !!!

Yes this player works also with the same codes. And there are several on Ebay for $50 + $25 shipping .
$75 for an upconverting DVD player with component and DVI. And with this player you don't need an HDMI-to-DVI adapter !!!

Oh I forgot to mention that after putting in the codes you need to open and close the DVD tray to "set" the code on some players. I'll add that to the list.

"I want my HDTV...." (In my best Dire Straits voice).

Anyone else out there with some results with minoten's kit?

I am still having problems with the edge to edge focus on my current setup...
At this point I am not sure if my optics still need more tweaking or if the problem lies in the standard 80mm LL objective lens.
With the new pro lens nearly out, the larger fov would address the issue, but I just want to make sure I need to make the investement...

Any feedback would be nice

Hi verb0ten,

Some of us are still waiting for our WUXGA kit and some of us are waiting for the Pro Lens. I'm sure the pro lens will give you better results but until its released no one knows. Some of us are thinking about removing the antiglare so that should improve the picture with sharpness and contrast.

but what about full removal of standart polar? anyone tested?

Yeah, I'm also having some issues getting sharp focus at the corners with the standard lense kit, though part of that may just be the rough nature of my projector. Having no proper tools to build it with is bound to have an effect.

In any case, I was wondering if anyone had any tips for adjusting this particular screen to get the best brightness/color profile. I've been tinkering with the settings for the last couple days (I've only had the projector running that long) and the colors seem a little washed out. I've tried contrast, and color temp, but those are having a limited effect.