Projector Project idea...

Ok, I have an idea for an XGA projector project, but I wanted some feedback on whether or not it's a good idea first. I haven't built my own projector yet, but I'm working out the details right now. The biggest drawback and risk involved, IMHO, is the heat put off by the halogen bulb. This wastes quite a bit of electricity, marginally heats up the room, and most importantly, requires extra cooling in the form of a decent fan (and possibly a PC power supply with its own fan)... thereby increasing the noise level in the room substantially. Of course, there's also the risk of damage to the screen itself from excessive heat as well.

Here's what I was thinking. What if I tried replacing the halogen with a compact fluorescent bulb? For about $26, you can get a 5500K ("full spectrum" ), 3500 lumen CF bulb that only uses 55W and puts off very little heat. That's cheaper and the same light output as the 300W halogen bulbs used in these overhead projectors. It seems a waste in one way though... the projector already has the necessary ballast for a halogen bulb... that would just have to be removed (maybe it could be used for something else?). Also, I'm not sure if the projector can accommodate this size of bulb: 3" x 8 1/2". As for wiring, none is required.... this bulb is made to screw into a conventional 110VAC light receptacle... an adapter can be purchased for a few dollars at any hardware store to plug this directly into an extension cord. Also, will there be a problem with the shape of the bulb? I'm a bit worried that the light won't be even since the bulb was not designed for this type of use.

Well... what do you think? Ideas? Suggestions?

Hope it's ok to include this... here's the link to the CF bulbs I mentioned above:
http://www.rewci.com/onecas10ver1.html

Hi, I'm making my own projector and it isnt' as simple as you think. I made it and brake it 3 times before reaching the final construction, wich i'm already searching...

your question: well, i think that i depends on the OHP that you use. the one tom's used seems well but the one i used, 3M OHP 1850 would not fit. it is a 4000 lumens with 400W lamp. it really heats the room. what interests you is that it uses a kind of lamp that i've never seen in fluo-type. I mean, this lamps aren't made to fit conventional light replace. plus, in my OHP the lamp is enclosed in a special lens, not the fresnel lens but a special lens ho distribute the light to a mirror that sends it to the fresnel lens. in fact my OHP is particular because it flips the image: it is ment for allowing you to write in what you are projecting...

so the lamp can't be changed with anything but another similar lamp with other power.
that's my case. i hope you have a different projector. in fact, i don't recommend the 3M 1850 for this installation. with my experience and the video downloaded from tom's, i think the OHP that he used is the best option.

i read it already but that's only one small list of LCDs. i would probarly go for some old 14" LCD because they are pritty expensive here in croatia.

Geronimo

Also mentioned in the guide was the possibility of using Laptop LCD's - how do you use one of those - they don't have standard connections, yet are far cheaper to get my hands on...