New idea: Goodbye monitors, hello projectors!

[johnrt]

So would this work with a short throw or ultra short throw projector? 

[big10p]

Even if this did work, I'm failing to see the point/benefit of doing it?! 

[yotsuya]

Ultra short throws distort the image somewhat to make it work. I don't know if it would ever look completely right.

[BGoulette]

I think one benefit would be avoiding the choice between horizontal or vertical monitor orientation: just provide a square-ish matte surface to reflect the image and be done with it! No need to contrive rotating monitors or something: play all the shmups and fighters you want. If, of course, it could be made to work.

[JDFan]

Figure years ago the big screen TV sets used projectors to get the large screen, but as soon as there were panels large enough to be used for that size screen the projection TVs died off - so why would it be any different now. I can't think of any reason a projected image would ever be as good or better than an actual screen. 

[pbj]

Disregard the naysayers.  Do it anyway.

[Thenasty]

here is a game I saw that uses a projector.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,122111.msg1295910.html#msg1295910

[yotsuya]

The other issue you'll have to contend with is light spilling over onto your projection surface, dulling and dimming the image.

If you really wanted to do it, rear-projection would probably be better.

[SavannahLion]

And here I thought it was some kind of laser projector. Like this project:

Or this one: http://jv4779.blogspot.ca/2013/03/laser-projector-playing-mame-vector.html?m=1

Oh well... I can't see anything wrong other than the size of the thing. Try it out and see.

[shponglefan]

It could be done, but the big concern I'd have would be ambient light.  Projectors need dark environments otherwise the image will be very washed out and difficult to view.  If you have an arcade in a bright room, particularly with natural light, then the projector wouldn't likely work.

OTOH, in a basement or dark rec room environment, it could work.

[Token]

I think one benefit would be avoiding the choice between horizontal or vertical monitor orientation: just provide a square-ish matte surface to reflect the image and be done with it!

If there is a reason why, this is it.

How will the bumps and nudges on the control panel affect the stability of the image?

I predict that the first cabinet to feature dynamic side-art () will use short-throw projectors to make it happen.

[yotsuya]

I think one benefit would be avoiding the choice between horizontal or vertical monitor orientation: just provide a square-ish matte surface to reflect the image and be done with it!

If there is a reason why, this is it.

How will the bumps and nudges on the control panel affect the stability of the image?

I predict that the first cabinet to feature dynamic side-art () will use short-throw projectors to make it happen.

Funny you posted that, as he abandoned that project when he realized it wouldn't work the way he wanted it to. He sold all that stuff off.

Some guys were doing a bartop with dynamic side art, but they were using LCDs.

[Token]

Funny you posted that, as he abandoned that project when he realized it wouldn't work the way he wanted it to. He sold all that stuff off.

I was wondering what happened to that project as I never saw it completed. What didn't work out as he'd wanted?

Just wait. Some young whippersnapper will take Blip and breed it with Griff's pinball idea and have a blank slate cabinet that will transform into multiple games with an LCD marquee, projected side-art, and a custom-cut LCD control panel.

[yotsuya]

Funny you posted that, as he abandoned that project when he realized it wouldn't work the way he wanted it to. He sold all that stuff off.

I was wondering what happened to that project as I never saw it completed. What didn't work out as he'd wanted?

Just wait. Some young whippersnapper will take Blip and breed it with Griff's pinball idea and have a blank slate cabinet that will transform into multiple games with an LCD marquee, projected side-art, and a custom-cut LCD control panel.

I think the angles were all wrong, plus it didn't back-project as nice and cleanly as he'd like.

Good luck to that whippersnapper. I hope to have moved on in this hobby long before that day comes.

[n3wt0n]

If you really wanted to do it, rear-projection would probably be better.

This is what I thought as well. Not only because it would be a darker space without light interruption but you could still have tinted glass and bezel without having to worry about the light passing by. Do it! Even if it sucks ass at least you will be trying something new.

[RandyT]

Do it! Even if it sucks ass at least you will be trying something new.

Well, you could make a car with octagonal wheels that's new too.  Doesn't mean anyone would want to ride in it

A projected image in a space no larger than what direct view monitors can easily accommodate, really doesn't make a lot of sense. It offers no real benefits, and actually introduces several negative aspects to boot.  Better to spend time, effort and money solving issues than doing something different for it's own sake.

Just my $.02.

[yotsuya]

Do it! Even if it sucks ass at least you will be trying something new.

Well, you could make a car with octagonal wheels that's new too.  Doesn't mean anyone would want to ride in it

A projected image in a space no larger than what direct view monitors can easily accommodate, really doesn't make a lot of sense. It offers no real benefits, and actually introduces several negative aspects to boot.  Better to spend time, effort and money solving issues than doing something different for it's own sake.

Just my $.02.

$0.02? That's sound advice. I'm glad you said it -  most of us are thinking that, but we get accused of being haters for saying so... 

[Token]

Better to spend time, effort and money solving issues than doing something different for it's own sake.

[pbj]

Eff that, do it anyway.

[lilshawn]

this + pinball = custom pinball2000 esque gameplay.

 

[jennifer]

   I must be missing something here, Of course this could  work, Its already been done (Grand prix comes to mind) But rather shine down, its projected via mirror/Image wheels Bla,Bla. The end result creates a clean projection, Heat however is the drawback.... A holographic type image (revenge from mars, pin) is a far more interesting concept however, it"s a reflective interaction with the image. 

[Ian]

I was at a local Dave and Busters and they had the new Star Wars Battle Pod game.... I was surprised to find out the whole screen is actually just a vinyl board with a projector overhead. So I guess this thing is becoming more of a reality.

Here is a quick video of the game I was talking about.

[yotsuya]

I was at a local Dave and Busters and they had the new Star Wars Battle Pod game.... I was surprised to find out the whole screen is actually just a vinyl board with a projector overhead. So I guess this thing is becoming more of a reality.

Here is a quick video of the game I was talking about.

Seen it!

There's a difference between using a projection system in a pod to create an immersive experience, and using one to draw a 22"x22" image on a flat surface where an LCD would do approximately the same job for much cheaper without having to worry about ambient light, overheating bulbs, shaking the cabinet, and so forth.

[nitrogen_widget]

Bulbs. bah!
Go LED projector!
not as much heat.
But it would have to be rear projection in a sealed cabinet with the inside painted black & you'd need a large front surface mirror (you can make one from a regular mirror) or keep the projector dead on because you don't want to have to use the keystone settings as that lowers the resolution.

I thought about using a projector but only as a dynamic bezel.

[Ian]

I was at a local Dave and Busters and they had the new Star Wars Battle Pod game.... I was surprised to find out the whole screen is actually just a vinyl board with a projector overhead. So I guess this thing is becoming more of a reality.

Here is a quick video of the game I was talking about.

Seen it!


There's a difference between using a projection system in a pod to create an immersive experience, and using one to draw a 22"x22" image on a flat surface where an LCD would do approximately the same job for much cheaper without having to worry about ambient light, overheating bulbs, shaking the cabinet, and so forth.

Right, I agree... but it's something new. I've seen a lot of innovative ideas come through here.. I'm sure someone would be able to come up with an idea that would work!

[mimic]

Why go for LED or LCD or whatever projector... why not go ... and it's only !

[SavannahLion]

Why go for LED or LCD or whatever projector... why not go ... and it's only !

That promo video is full of crap. Are they really implying that the thing works under water?? And she's holding it in her  hand while lying down in bed and the video doesn't squirm one bit?! Yeah....

When you look at the unboxing and teardown video's you get a much more realistic idea of it's real capabilities and it's interesting tech. Lists for a bit over $400 though. At that price, I wouldn't use it in the OP's design idea when a "traditional" flat screen has a similar price point and nets you more reliable results.

Take advantage of its size and capabilities and build an entirely new design around it. For example, cluster three or more of them together and go apeshit with a full blown driving, flying or Mech Warrior/Robotech simulator cockpit.

Or a little more down to earth, a coffee table design would be slick, until the damn dog walks in front of it.

[jeremymtc]

Bulbs. bah!
Go LED projector!
not as much heat.
But it would have to be rear projection in a sealed cabinet with the inside painted black & you'd need a large front surface mirror (you can make one from a regular mirror) or keep the projector dead on because you don't want to have to use the keystone settings as that lowers the resolution.

I thought about using a projector but only as a dynamic bezel.

LED projectors still put out a pretty massive amount of heat, even if they are much cooler relative to a bulb projector.

I use an LED projector in my home theater (aka "living room") and while it's awesome and I love it, it will raise the room temperature by a couple of degrees over the course of a two hour movie or during extended bideo gameplay.