Build Your Own LCD Video Projector

Build Your Own LCD Video Projector
By Andrew Seltz

Mix big screen home theater dreams with a skimpy budget and you have the makings of a fantastic do-it-yourself project. Just think of how impressed all your friends will be watching blockbuster movies on a video projector you made with your own 2 hands.

It was just these motivations that landed me in front of my web browser digging for information for this project. There are a lot of cheesy websites that promise the moon and sell you a plastic magnifying lense and the instructions to stick a television into a box and put this lens on the front. You will get an image, but it will look like you made it yourself. - dark, and blurry.

Is there any way to make this work? The short answer is yes. A video projector is essentially a high resolution LCD video screen with a really bright light shining through it and a projector lense enlarging onto the screen. New portable models use very tiny, and expensive, LCDs along with sophisticated light sources and high quality lenses. If you are willing to end up with a projector that isn't quite so tiny, you can scavenge the parts you need from an LCD computer monitor and add some electronic components and relatively inexpensive lenses. For $200-$500 you should be able to create a high resolution bright projector that will really impress your friends.

The parts you need are:

• High resolution LCD computer monitor
• Projector lens (and possibly 2 fresnel lenses depending on the plans you use)
• Cooling fan(s) - bright lights get hot when you shove them in a box
• Bright lightsource (one approach to the project is to use an old overhead projector)
• Electrical power supply

There are dozens of websites with step-by-step plans for free or for sale. Some sell parts that you'll need. Two that I've found to be excellent are LumenLab and the DIY Projector Company. They both sell parts and parts kits. LumenLab sells a very nicely produced PDF instruction guide with detailed plans. DIY offers plans free, but expects that you'll buy one of their kits to actually make the projector. They both use the LCD in a box with a lamp approach.

InventGeek has a great article explaining the whole process in depth including the theory behind projectors. I recommend you check it out. The DenGuru website shows another approach to the project. They use an old overhead projector for both the lightsource and lens. You strip the LCD panel out of its frame and lay it on the projector like a transparency. Ugly, but it works! Check out their tutorial.

Break out your toolkit and get busy - and let's be safe out there people!

Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy! His wide range of interests and experiences have made him a walking search engine for his friends and colleagues. His passion for film and video production have made him particularly interested in Big Screen Televisions and Home Theaters. Visit his site: http://www.ColossalTV.com

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Projector Rental Question: What's a Lumen?

Projector Rental Question: What's a Lumen?
By John Beagle

Answer: The brightness of a projector is measured in Lumens
When Renting or buying an DLP or LCD Multimedia Projector you need to match the brightness of the projector to your audience and room size. Larger rooms and audiences require higher bulbstrength brightness.

Projector bulb strength brightness is measured in ANSI lumens or lumens. You also need to take into account the primary use of the projector, full motionvideo vs. static data.

Projectors range from around 650 to 5000 lumens in brightness.

Note: A standard 100 watt incandescent light bulb emits approximately 1700 lumens.

Presentations where the lights are on are the most desirable, but require higher lumen bulbs because you can interact and demonstrate off-screen with your audience.

Another consideration is portability of the projector. Lower lumen units are the most portable. As a general rule, as you increase bulb strength brightness, you reduce portability. High lumen projectors are larger and weigh more than low lumen projectors.

Less than 1000 lumens
-good for low ambient light, presentations.

1000 -2000 lumens -These
are the most popular units being sold and rented today.
Very practical and will work with some ambient light.

3000 lumens -Much
Larger unit than the 1000 to 2000 lumen units. Good for audiences of less than a hundred with ambient light.

5000 lumens
- For audiences of 100 or more under brighterlights

6000+ lumens - For largeevents like conventions, conferences, classroom training and trade shows wherethousands of people need to view a presentation at thesame time.

For more information: Projector Rentals at the Original Rentacomputer.com

Contact a Tech Travel Agent at http://www.Rentacomputer.com, email rentals@Rentacomputer.com or call toll free 800-736-8772.

John Beagle is a technology writer for Xponex Web and Media Services.

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How DLP Projectors Work?

How DLP Projectors Work?
By Paul Cris

DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors can be attached with computers, DVD players, VCR players, HDTVs and video games. It comes in various models and with enhanced features. DLP Projectors are also called as Multimedia projectors.

In mid 1990s Texas Instruments developed Digital Light Processing. DLP technology is based on DMD or Digital Micromirror Device. It is a switch, which controls the intensity, and placement of projected light via 4,80,000 mirrors. In a DLP-based display there are unlimited colors. You can control the saturation and clarity to make bright video as clear as you want. The DMD is coordinated with a graphic signal, a light source and a projection lens.

The micromirrors of DLP are fixed on a panel of small pivots, which enable them to slant either way. If it slants towards (on) light source it creates bright pixels on the screen and when it slants the other way (off) it creates darker pixels. When the bit-stream image code enters the semiconductor, the semi conductor directs the switch to on or off. If the switch remains on more times than off, it reflects a light gray pixel. Otherwise it reflects darker gray pixel.

In DLP systems white light is passed through a color wheel and it runs to the surface of the DMD panel. The color wheel converts the white light into red, green and blue. From these three colors a DMD chip can create 16.7 million colors. So a 3-DMD chip DLP system can create a mammoth 35 trillion colors. Then our eyes understand these colors and see an image.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com.

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DVD Projector Rentals

DVD Projector Rentals
By Marcus Peterson

DVD is a type of optical storage technology. Digital form of storage has completely replaced magnetic storage media like floppy disks. DVD is the acronym of Digital Versatile Disk and is better than CD in terms of audio and video quality. It is versatile and can be played in DVD players and computers.

DVD comes in various formats like DVD-R and DVD-RW, the R and W means read and write capacity of the disc. DVD players can play units can play a various units audio and video discs in different formats such as CD-R, CD-RW, mp3 and VCD. DVD players also support jpeg formats. Some DVD players have recording features.

DVD projectors are used to project audio and video images from DVD players and VCR. Care should be taken to ensure that the medium used is compatible with the DVD projectors. For instance, some DVD projectors dont support inputs from computers. While hiring DVD projectors, the accessories are DVD players, DVDs, sound systems and screens. These have to be carefully chosen. They also come with IR remote controls and laser pointers. The output can be fed into high resolution plasma and LCD displays.

Some of the branded names available for rental come from 3M, Canon, BenQ and InFocus. They are available in different models with different features. DVD projectors can be hired for as low as $80 and the accessories are charged with their own rental rates. The rental companies require credit card information and an ID. Since DVD projection is of high quality, the major segment is the corporate and business houses for their presentation requirements.

DVD projectors, because of their versatility and high quality, are used in wedding receptions and other staging events such as conferences and trade shows. DVD projectors have made the film projectors less attractive.

Projector Rentals provides detailed information on Computer Projector Rentals: A Guide, DVD Projector Rentals, Film Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Rentals and more. Projector Rentals is affiliated with DLP Projectors.

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Auditorium LCD Projectors

Auditorium LCD Projectors
By Ken Marlborough

Auditorium LCD Projectors are generally up to 40kg in weight, with 3,000 lumens (a measure of brightness) and above, have SVGA (brightness range from 1700 - 2000 lumens) or XGA (brightness range from 2000 - 3000 lumens, are more expensive than SVGA) native resolution. Auditorium projectors are mostly LCD projectors and usually come with a ceiling or rear mount facility. They usually have motorized zoom lens, are generally operated via remote control and offer multiple input and output ports for both PC and video. Auditorium LCD Projectors generally require external speakers and are targeted at spacious venues like theaters, auditoriums and convention halls.

In other words, auditorium LCD projectors are heavy duty, and super bright, allowing them to provide the added illumination for very large applications. These projectors deliver high brightness that can be used in a wide range of places. They generally come with a lens shift function and a wide range of optional, interchangeable lenses also contributes to installation ease. These LCD Projectors have a variety of functions for high picture quality and network compatibility is also included. Providing realistic colors, sharp contrast, and super bright images, they enable presentations with persuasive impact in a variety of situations.

Some factors which help in choosing a better Auditorium LCD Projector are: Lumens, Resolution, Lens Power, Keystone Correction, Scanning Frequency, Contrast, Lens Throw Ratio, Aspect Ratio, Image Offset Range, Computer Compatibility, Video Compatibility, Image and Mouse control, Projection Modes, Color Reproduction and Lamp Life.

These projectors generally have a specially designed auto focus lens, which allows for quick and easy switching between multiple screens with minimal user adjustments. Their automatic color correction feature provides true color reproduction even when projecting onto colored or textured walls for a perfect presentation anywhere. Some of them have a 3-D Reform technology, which lets one set up the projector virtually anywhere in the room and still get an aligned image.

While choosing the right LCD projector for an auditorium, the dimensions of the auditorium, the ambient light conditions and the distance where the projector will be placed from the screen should considered and projectors whose specifications exceed the requirements should be considered.

LCD Projectors provides detailed information on LCD Projectors, LCD Projector Rentals, LCD Projector Lamps, LCD Video Projectors and more. LCD Projectors is affiliated with Cheap LCD TVs.

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An Introduction To Projectors

An Introduction To Projectors
By Elizabeth Morgan

A projector is an apparatus for presenting an enlarged image on a screen from a transparency such as a photographic slide or a film. In a motion picture projector, each frame is held stationary at an illuminated aperture for a brief period, and then advanced by an intermittent sprocket or reciprocating claw, the light being cut off by a rotating shutter during the movement. The soundtrack on the film is reproduced at a separate sound head where the film is moved continuously at a constant speed.

An average projector usually has a picture resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. Most of the projectors weigh four to six pounds and come with a carrying case. All of the projectors have varied brightness and contrast levels usually the brightness varies from 1300 lumens to 1500 lumens. A projector with a brightness of 1400 lumens proves to be a good choice for small to medium-sized, well-lit rooms.

Some of the indispensable parts of a projector are the feed spool, xenon arc lamp, projection lens, optical sound head, take up spool, an aperture, normal lens and rotating shutter. But with the advancement of science, new technologies have come into play. The projectors have become much more advanced in terms of clarity of picture and quality of the pixels. Also, the projectors have found use in everyday households, as new versions of domestic projectors have arrived on the market. The abundance of LCD projectors, DLP projectors and video projectors has enabled the common man to enjoy the experience of a big theater hall in his living room.

Projectors provides detailed information on Projectors, LCD Projectors, DLP Projectors, Video Projectors and more. Projectors is affiliated with DVD Projector Rentals.

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Benefits of a HighQuality LCD Projector Lamp for Your LCD

Benefits of a High-Quality LCD Projector Lamp for Your LCD
By Enreek Kahlon

In terms of multimedia presentations, LCD projectors have proven to provide impressive image quality and high resolutions. However, if your projector suddenly fails to work and you need to present a proposal with potential clients, it could cause your business to lose money, or worse, it could cause your job.

The most common problem of projectors is the sudden burn out of LCD projector lamps. Fortunately, these LCD projector lamps can be easily replaced. Although anyone can replace the lamps for your LCD projector, choosing the lamp can be an overwhelming task. You need to ensure that the type of lamp you buy is compatible with your projector.

A high-quality LCD projector lamp should be able to operate for over 4,000 hours. However, the measurements of lamp life are not reliable because the lamp can still work, even if it becomes dimmer. For this reason, you need to check the peak lamp life listed in most manufacturers of LCD projector lamps, which provides users with information of the total brightness a particular lamp could provide.

Choosing a high-quality lamp for your LCD projector should be your first concern, instead of price. Compared to the affordable halogen lamps that last about 70 hours, metal halide lamps can work up to 500 hours. Meaning, the more expensive LCD projector lamp you choose, the longer-lasting life it would provide.

How to Choose an LCD Projector Lamp

There are only two types of lamps used in LCD projectors metal halide and tungsten halogen. In order to choose a quality lamp, you have to understand how each one works.

A metal-halide lamp provides better brightness, but lower consumption of power. Be aware that lamp wattages do not reflect the brightness. Metal-halide LCD projector lamps are more efficient because it could provide your projector with a very white light until the end of its life.

On the other hand, tungsten-halogen lamps produce whiter lights because it runs at a higher temperature than other lamps. Although the white light will become yellow during its lifetime, it provides a longer lamp life because of its low-pressure and high temperature features.

Although metal-halide LCD projector lamps are more expensive, they could provide over 2,000 hours compared to the tungsten-halogen lamps 70 hours of operation. Be aware that lamps of your projectors could last longer when you operate them in economy mode, which automatically cools down when the projector becomes idle.

How to get the best LCD Displays, TVS, computer monitors and more. This is must read before you decide to buy... LCDs and LCD Displays, at http://www.dreamtekk.com

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