The starting point for the self rigged 1080p HD projector is a 120V S15 Mega-Kit from Lumenlab. The Lumenlab kit gives a leg up with all the different components for the projector setup. The kit includes:

• S15 Projection Lens Triplet to focus the light.
• Fresnel lens to shape the reflected light
• LL/Vue 400w eBallast powering the 400W 6500K bulb.

The Lumenlab store is also a good place to shop around for a compatible LCD flat panel monitor that will support the high definition projections at that resolution. Save a ton of bother by buying one which will be let you enjoy high end image formats like Blu-Ray.

A high-def projector is a precision gadget. Exact specifications for the design may really make or break the project. This is where Lumenlab’s DIY Projector Guide and the Projector Builder section of the Lumenlab Forum lend their know-how. The DIY HD projector may seem like a hi-tech challenge, but with the starter help of the video, Lumenlab’s kit and forum, it’s worth the work.

Follow some of our previous posts that help you design your entertainment:

• Full DIY Home Theater Build: Start to Finish
• Build your own Movie Server
• DIY Stadium Seating for the Super Bowl

At NYU, they’ve combined the power of 27 projectors to create a massive 120 feet long video display.  It uses software called Spyder (not free) to combine them into the equivalent of six 16:9 displays.  It’s absurdly over the top, but see some low budget tips below to make a mini version.

(images courtesy of Gizmodo)

DIY on the Cheap:

• Use free software like Display Fusion to combine multiple screens.
• Take apart some old CRTs so you just have the display without the casing
• Put them together to create a wicked gaming experience or TV display.

It’s oubviously more complicated then that, but it can be done on a budget.  Imagine trying to play GTA IV or any FPS on that screen!