Homemade digital projectors have been created by hobbyists and professionals short on cash as a method to cost effectively exhibit media (movies, TV, sports, independent and home movies) without purchasing an expensive consumer projector. These projectors are digital because they utilize digital storage devices like computers, digital recording devices (DVRs), camcorders and external hard drives to show the footage.
Key Elements
Key elements of a homemade digital projector setup include the digital storage device, projector screen and projector box. Projector boxes are the most homemade part of the setup, usually hand crafted from wood and attached by nails, glue or brackets.
Monitor and Reflection Device
Inside the homemade projector box there needs to be a lighting system -- a reflection device such as a mirror and a monitor, which is usually salvaged from a computer monitor or overhead projector. The monitor displays the image, the mirror reflects the image and the light source carries the image onto the projection screen through a lens barrel.
Fan, Vents and Electrical Wiring
Homemade digital projectors also need a fan and ventilation holes to prevent the projector cabinet from overheating. Electrical wiring for the fan and light source are necessary, and place them out of the way of the monitor, reflector and light.
