I came across a 16" monitor with 1280X1024 Sxga resolution, and I believe it said the viewable area was 12.5" x 10". I can't remember what size the fresnals are....would they cover the viewable portion of this screen?

http://www.sharp.com.my/web/srssc/productd...?pcode=LL-T1620

Unfortunately, no. The dimensions of the fresnels are 12 9/16" (319mm) x 9 15/16" (252.4mm) x 2mm. The store states that these fresnels are for 15" and smaller.

If you align the lenses horizontally VERY carefully, and use a very minimal top and bottom frame it would ALMOST do it. It would probably be adequate to the task.

Technically the fresnels are a bit too narrow, but the height should be okay.

"317.4 X 253.9mm (12.5 X 10.0 in.)"
This is from the specs...we're talking about a touch more than a mm on height...how much loss would that be when it's projected?

Also, I've read that the fresnals made after Jan. of this year were "New" and bigger to capture the entire LCD screen...before they made them bigger, how much of a screen loss was there?

did anyone else see a price on that of just under 800 dollars? would be a nice option but even half of that and you might as well just get a 17 inch? the dells are going refurbashed right now with a contrast of 1000:1 for just 280 and free shipping on orders over like 80 bucks.

what about the 395mm x 395mm fresnel from 3dlens?

Well, a couple of advantages to the 16"... One, it's smaller, and as such will still exhibit greater throw than the 17", also it will it in a smaller projector casing.

Other than that, yeah, the 17" seems a better option for SXGA resolution. Personally, I'm still waiting for 1600X1200. Of course 1920X1200 would be even better.

Honestly, though, I'm pretty happy with the XGA resolution from my 15" panel, it's more than good enough for TV or movie watching, and gives me adequate resolution for gaming.

*cough*sig*cough*

I guess you could get a 17" and shrink the image in software (if you're using a PC to drive it).

Anyone actually done this? It's kind of tempting, because 17" are cheap, have very good contrast ratios (seen some with 600:1 or more) and often with DVI.

16.2 million colors with dithering? And your panel appears to be too large for the 15in kit as well, and for 800 bucks that's just not worth it to me.

If you're running in 720p mode, you're not using the top and bottom horizontal rows of pixels anyhow. ...this could probably be pulled off.

There's a 15" widescreen 720p screen @ Staples for $220 w/ crappy specs.

Every 16" that I have ever looked at for this project has had slow response time and low contrast ratio. So be sure that its acceptable.

-- jaydillyo