Getting Started

Our free PDF builder guide will introduce you to the basic design. Then cruise over to the Project Gallery for ideas and inspiration. Detailed projects are outlined in the Advanced Member forum PLOGS. In depth build instructions are contained in our Pro Guide. Parts are available from the Lumenlab DIY Store.

A "Do-It-Yourself" LCD projector is a real projector you can build. This projector can achieve HDTV quality, rivaling projectors which cost many thousands of dollars. It can be used with Powerpoint presentations, video games (Playstation 2, Xbox), DVD movies and more.

There are just as many reasons for building a projector as there are ways to build one. Some of the reasons include:

• Money: Save lots of money by building it yourself. A DIY projector can cost as little as $300 with used or gifted parts.
• Replacement parts: Lamps for an average commercial projector can cost $250 or more. The lamp for a DIY projector costs around $50.00
• Quality: You control the design and the parts used. You control the quality. You can start cheap and upgrade to better parts later.
• Education: This is a very rewarding and educational project. Many people have built projectors for school science-fair projects or a father/son project. When you're done you get to watch movies on a giant screen!
• Creativity: You can make your projector look however you want. Build it into a coffee table or old computer case. It's up to you.

The basic projector design uses an LCD panel, a very bright lamp, lenses and miscellaneous parts. The LCD panel is taken from a computer LCD monitor, usually a 15". This will be the most expensive part of your projector. The prices of 15" LCD monitors are constantly dropping. You can often find them on Ebay. Look for one with a burnt out backlight as you won't be needing it. We keep a comprehensive list of tested monitors in the User forums. The Lumenlab DIY Store sells many of the parts needed to get you on your way.

Media

A 3D rendering of the Standard 15" projector. Made by forum member Ilyo.

 

A movie of the projector in action. Made by forum member Vroom.

You may need to install the Quicktime player to view these movies.