1080p projectors still cost mounds of cash: in the long awaited conclusion of our Home Theater Month, David and Patrick build one up from a Lumenlab DIY Projector Kit.
Some projects take a little longer than we planned... our DIY projector buildup is a stirling example. From broken LCDs to shipping delays caused by hurricanes, it's been an interesting project. The end result, tho, a scratch built 1080p projector with a 400W bulb that sells for under $50, and has a life expectancy of 20,000 hours, is pretty sweet!
The build, however, was tough.
First off, the kit we chose, Lumenlab's 120V S15 Mega-Kit is less a kit than a collection of parts you're not likely to find locally. It includes a pair of Fresnel lenses, the 400W 6500K bulb (and the ballast to power it) and the triplet lens use, ultimately, to focus the video on your wall.
That's all good. You then have to make a heap of design decisions based around the image size and distance you want to project (unless you decide to build a fox with a variable focal length), punch them into the (incredibly useful) FocalCalc II calculator, and get your favorite tool for measuring millimeters, 'cause precision is key for making this project work!
The other key is finding an LCD flat panel monitor you can scavenge that will work with a projector... many won't. If you can find a monitor listed in the LumenLab LCD Monitor Database you'll save yourself a ton of time (and cash) cracking open monitors that won't work!
We ended up buying a 15.4 inch WUXGA (1900x1200) panel and HDMI controller kit from Manhattan LCD: the bundled controller gave us HDMI input and HDCP compatibility so we can play Blu-ray discs, along with 1080p resolutions... sweet!
Before you try out this project for yourself, download the DIY Projector Guide and spend some quality time in the Projector Builder section of the Lumenlab Forums
It's a doable project but it takes some time and dedication... and patience, even without the comedy of errors we had!
Systm brings you great episodes on a regular basis, but we recognize that you may want to choose how you subscribe. We've broken down our feeds below to give you the choice of how you enjoy the shows.
Application Feeds
Choose from the list to subscribe to Systm directly through our most popular applications
RSS Feeds
Use these feeds to subscribe to Systm in your preferred format using your favorite application.
Other Feeds
Stay up to date on your Systm specific discussions and news.
Posted by tjpeople on 09/30/2008 at 11:40:48 am in Systm
OMG the guy that repeats everything Patrick says is BACK!!!!
Please David its becomes unwatchable when you repeat the tail end of what Patrick says. You probs don't realize you do it, but please make an effort not too.
Read More »
Posted by davmoo on 09/18/2008 at 07:04:46 pm in Systm
I've changed my mind. I should have never watched this episode. It is evil. It should be avoided.
Two days ago I picked up a 19" 1440x900 LCD display for silly cheap at a local auction. And now I see it sitting on my desk, teasing me willfully while yelling out "Gut me and turn me in to a projector! You know you want to!"
I must be strong...I must not yield to the Dark Side...must...not....
Read More »
Posted by DIYProjectorKits on 09/18/2008 at 06:56:30 pm in Systm
Maverick,
We take great pride in our builds and love to hear things like you said how happy you were with the system. Now I just have to figure out what the best way is to ask if they are interested in a DIY Projector part 2? We could send in one of our new F-450 awesome folded design kits. 1080p 450 Quad lens...incredible setup.
Read More »
Posted by Maverick007 on 09/18/2008 at 03:11:54 pm in Systm
Yes, That is one of yours. Bruce made it for me back in October 2006. All I had to do was drop the LCD panel in and turn it on. It has worked flawlessly ever since, and I'm still on my first lamp.
That would be cool if Patrick and David would take you up on your offer on the free eval unit. I would love to see another episode on the DIY PJ that would really show how good these things can be.
Read More »
Posted by DIYProjectorKits on 09/18/2008 at 02:32:44 pm in Systm
Mav,
That looks very familiar that projector...hmmm. You wouldn't have purchased that enclosure from us did you? Looks really really nice. Screenies are great quality!
I don't know about you guys but id love to show the community what a full kit would be like for a great price on here (We would love to send a FULL kit to Systm and have them show off what it's like to not even need a screw driver to put your projector together since we can even include that) and get the quality results Mav is getting those are great!
Have a great night!
Mike
Read More »
Posted by Maverick007 on 09/18/2008 at 03:57:33 am in Systm
That's a good price, but how much do your replacement lamps cost? How many hours are they rated for (only 2000 is avg for most)? If it breaks can you fix it? Can you upgrade it?
I was considering a commercial PJ but $400 for a lamp that only lasts 2000 hours was a big turn off for me. Plus the thought of buying a new one when it breaks didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
Now I have a PJ that uses a $50.00 lamp which will last 20,000 hours, and if the PJ ever breaks, I can fix it or upgrade it if and when needed...
EDIT:
Here are some older photos of my DIYPJ at our old house. At the old house we only had an 8' wide screen. At our new house, because of the longer throw, we now have an 11' wide screen (151" diag). I need to take some new photos, of the larger screen and the PJ now has a finish on it, so it looks better too... But you get the idea...
*link*
Mav
Read More »
Posted by sudeepadas on 09/18/2008 at 03:08:16 am in Systm
hi,
i am using the DLP Projector i Purchased this item at CompUSA.com, i bought this Projector for $359.99 and i saved $140 and i got $70 Mail in Rebate, also i got 2% Cash Back by going through Rebation.com.
Read More »
Posted by DIYProjectorKits on 09/17/2008 at 07:57:08 pm in Systm
Hey everyone, just watched the video here on the review of the PJ. Was a good review and start showing what the DIY community can do. The only problem they stated was that what many people on here stated, not everyone has a huge woodworking shop and all the tools needed to cut from scratch. I am seriously not using this for a plug but there are full kits available including enclosures and all that is needed to assemble is a screw driver. You can still buy everything needed INCLUDING stripped panels not needing to worry about wasting money on panels and also professional optics and everything for still less then what you would pay for a basic 1080i setup in your local stores. All I am saying is YES a part 2 would be great and showing how a customer can get great quality and great craftsmanship without worrying about cutting their fingers off or breaking a 300 or 400 flat panel. There is definately alot more involved with getting a GREAT 1080p output including the quality of controller panels used down to a great DIY screen for a fraction of the price you would normally pay and NO a normal white painted wall IS NOT good enough haha.
If you are interested in DIY Projector Kits, come check us out.
Great work though Systm!
Mike
"Your One Stop DIY Projector Shop"
www.DIYProjectorKits.com
www.YouTube.com/DIYProjectorkits
www.ustream.tv/channel/diy-projector-kits---video-feed
Read More »
Posted by sykotic on 09/17/2008 at 07:32:55 pm in Systm
I'm disappointed then. Those LCDs are quite a premium over a "good" cheap or old LCD monitor that you no longer use. The project pricing would really move out of DIY and into "just cheaper than the real thing." Plus, those LCDs have bad contrast ratios and the dot pitch isn't even listed.
Don't get me wrong, the episode was good, but Systm is really moving towards Kits... What is so cool about putting together a kit? You mine as well be building Ikea furniture on the next episode. (Don't forget your hex tool!) Give us more projects like the Fighting robots, Mame machine, and the Air cannon. Stuff with flexible guides that require imagination and innovation. Bring on more projects, I'm sure you'll have more of the "good ol" stuff soon.
Read More »
Posted by Quasi_Mojo on 09/17/2008 at 12:26:48 pm in Systm
sykotic, it appeared as if they started to use 15" LCD monitors, but, due to FFC issues and/or breakage, they decided to purchase a 15.4 WUXGA 1900 x 1200 LCD Kit from manhattanlcd.com.
As far as heat from the light is concerned, I'm using a 150W ceramic metal halide lamp in my projector. I have about a 10 foot throw and the screen is about 110 inches diagonal (16:9). I've been running my projector for two and a half months with no fan cooling the projector (not that I'd recommend doing this - I'm not finished with it). I'm in a basement apartment, but I've never had any problems with being overly hot.
The 400W lamp, I've read, does kick out a substantial amount of heat, though. If you're not going to have a long throw, you might want to try a 150W or 250W metal halide lamp. It won't be as bright, but may be satisfactory to you.
The only power tool I used during my build was a Dremel.
If you like, feel free to check out my PLOG.
Read More »
