I'm starting to gather parts for a 19" widescreen vertical folded PJ. I'm looking for some input if anyone has any on what else I'm going to need to buy. I'm planning to build a NTPC later on, till then I'll probably just continue using my Tivo/DVD/reveiever setup as it is now with the PJ to replace the TV. Here's what I have so far:

Westinghouse 19" LTV-19W3 widescreen LCD TV (order)
Pro Lens Kit (order)
Pro Reflector (ordered)
120V Pulse-Strike Light Kit
LL FS Mirror

I've got the tools and whatnot already, I do have questions on wood though. I plan to build a stand-up cabinet to house both PJ and A/V equipment so weight is a factor. Any ideas on weight of MDF vs plywood vs other?


EDIT: Received the Monitor today. Great image via RCA and compnent, complete crap via Dsub and DVI. First off XP doesn't even pick it up at the advertised 1400x900, it's 13something by 8something. Close, but not as advertised, I forced it with Powerstrip though. At any resolution from 800x600 to 1680x1050 it looked bad. Not crisp at all on the letters. It looked like a 1280x1024 LCD rn at 800x600, it seems to have no native resolution that I could get it to snap into. Crutchfield does 30 full returns so I'll be calling them tomorrow. Time to once again find a new monitor.

Plywood is lighter and more forgiving than MDF, but it is subject to warpage. MDF is straight and flat, but weighs more and edges can be damaged easily (always use pilot holes when securing with screws, or better yet, use a finish nailer). If your cabinet needs a finished wood look, then you can go with a thin veneer (applied with contact cement) over MDF. That way you can finish the shell and trim it out after the tweaking is done.

Interesing LCD choice. Do you know if it will strip all right? This also is contra to the majority of advice to stick to 17". I will follow your build with interest. Good luck!!

The finish I'm planning will work with about any material I can sand smooth. A gloss black polished surface is easy, it just takes time. I'm leaning towards a mif of 3/4" and 1/2" plywood since I have worked with it many times and know what ot expect.

As for the monitor, I have no clue at this point. This Westinghouse I have on order seems to have all the correct specs and it looks great. The catch is that no one has yet to do a 19" or let a lone this particular model. The Pro lens kit theoretically will do a 19" widescreen, but till they both arrive I'm not positive. I tried to stay with a 17", but I could not find a decent 17" with a decent resolution and all the inputs. The massive amount of video inputs is what decided me since I can bypass the need for a video convertor that way.

If you want to use plywood, go to a good woodworking store and get either apple-ply or Baltic birch plywood. Both are dimensionally stable and relatively void-free. Baltic birch is from Europe/Russia and comes in metric sizing.

Tony

quietas - I know I'm bringing this one back from the dead, but did you ever complete this project? I'm building a very similar pj with the exact same LCD, except i'm reflecting the image horizontally as I'm building a coffee table. Just curious what your results were with this LCD.