DIY TV Projector
Projection TVs can be expensive and not affordable for everyone. It is possible, however, to create your own TV projector if you have an old tube-based TV set available. You won't be able to get the exact same clarity as you will with commercial projectors, but it can still create a decent wide-screen image with the right positioning. You may need to make adjustments in the process depending on your TV set. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- CRT TV set
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Black paint
- Utility knife
- Duct tape
- Fresnel lens
Instructions
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1
Cut thick cardboard into four pieces -- two as wide as your TV screen's width and two more as wide as the screen's height. All the pieces should be at least 30 centimeters in length but equal in their lengths.
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2
Paint all of the cardboard pieces black.
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3
Tape the cardboard pieces to the very edges of the TV screen with duct tape, forming a box-like projection frame around the screen. Cover the entire outer junction of the frame/screen and the corners of the frame with tape.
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4
Plug in the TV temporarily, turn it on and turn the lights off. Look for any places on the projection frame where light from the screen is coming out and tape over those spots.
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5
Cut a plastic Fresnel lens to the size of the projection frame -- cut grooves in the surface with a knife and break off pieces. Cut it evenly and keep the original center spot at all times.
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6
Insert the lens into the frame.
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7
Point the set at the wall, turn off the lights and turn the set on. Adjust the position of the set and the position of the lens inside the frame to get the best picture possible.
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Tips & Warnings
You might need to flip the TV set upside down, as the lens often inverts the image.
