How to Make a Big Screen Projector

How to Make a Big Screen Projector

Learn how to create a cost-effective big screen projector or set up an LCD projector to complete your home theater experience.

So, you've already bought that home theater system you’ve wanted for so long. You have the necessary space and everything set up. But there’s just one problem—you don’t have a TV large enough to match. No need to fret, though, as you can easily make a projector to fit your needs at a low cost. If you want to know how to make a big screen projector, here are the steps you need to follow.

• Prepare the projector. Purchase an LCD projector that you can connect to your satellite box or DVD player. Find the best connection available.
  
  If you don’t have an LCD projector, you can make your own projector box to place around your television set. Make a projector frame out of black cardboard that is forty-five centimeters larger than the screen size on each side. Tape it around your screen.
  
  Create another cardboard frame of the same size as the television screen. Purchase a Fresnel lens and cut a hole in the smaller frame matching the size of the lens. Tape the lens to the projector box once you have it properly inserted. Position the television upside down. This ensures the correct image orientation, as the Fresnel lens inverts them.
• Connect to a sound system. If you’re planning to use an LCD projector, connect the cable box to a surround sound speaker system for a better viewing experience.
  
  If you made the cardboard projection frame, you can use the television's internal sound, but you can also connect the television to an external speaker system if you prefer.
• Ready the viewing area. Set up an area in your bedroom or living room where you plan to use the projector. Use a clear, white sheet and hang it against the wall. Stretch it as far as you can and pin or tie it to objects that can hold the sheet straight. This ensures that you don’t get waves or ripples while watching.
  
  You can also make a screen holder for the sheet. Get a piece of PVC pipe and tie a piece of cord or thick thread around the center so you can hang it from the ceiling. Sew or tie the top part of the sheet over the pipe. Do the same to the lower part of the sheet, omitting the hanging thread. Hang the sheet and position it close to the wall so that it is not easily dislodged.
• Position the projector. Place the LCD projector or the television projector in a location where the displayed image covers almost the entire sheet.

Focus the image on the screen until it becomes sharp. If using an LCD projector, adjust the lens manually. If using a cardboard projector box, adjust the position of the Fresnel lens inside the box.
Once you’re properly set up and have made the necessary adjustments, just put your viewing chair in place, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the show.