Add lens, mirrors and light source inside a box and your DIY LCD projector is ready under $300.
Why use an LCD projector over a standard CRT/TV frensnel lens magnified projector? These types of projectors are large and heavy, and if you ever tried to make one, you will have found out that the picture quality is usually poor regardless of the type and size of lenses used. Even if the room is pitch black! The light source from a standard TV is just not strong enough to give you a clear, bright picture. If you try and use a different light source, you'll find that the glass screen of the TV causes enough of a glare to overshadow the picture and you wind up not seeing anything. You can get anti glare polarizing shields for a standard TV, but the cost is very high in comparison to an LCD. LCD's, or Liquid Crystal Display TV's are perfect for these types of projectors because the anti-glare screen comes with the TV, and it can be adjusted for different light conditions.
Here you will find plans, wiring diagrams, and a complete list of all parts & materials needed, with step by step instructions to guide you through the construction process. After going through all of the information and plans, if you decide that you're not up to the challenge of building a projector similar to the one shown, there is information on where to buy a projector ready made, and explanations on how to set it up for use with your LCD monitor.
http://www.audiovisualizers.com/madlab/lcd_proj.htm
