ApltnHkyMutt

Can i turn an old laptop lcd screen into a video screen for media. I would like to take out a 10.4 inch lcd screen off an old laptop and some how make use of it in my truck. I would like to make in able to connect it to an output source of some kind, s-video, rca, or something. please if anyone has any information on how to do such a thing i would greatly appreciate your help

Thanks
Apltnhkymutt

ApltnHkyMutt

any ideas anyone?

ShawnLee

I would like to say that I've read, but have no clue. Just letting you know that we're not ignoring you.

__________________

OremuS

I understand exactly what you are asking and I must say that I think it would be extremely difficult to only use the screen from the computer. Reason being there is more than likely a propietary connector that was plugged into the video from the motherboard. This interface is how it gets power and video. You would need to figure out some way to get power to the screen and create a connector that would allow you to interface some form of video input.

In other words, unless you are some sort of EE genius, this is not a project I would attempt to tackle.

ApltnHkyMutt

Well im going to give it a shot and see if i can figure it all out. if anyone has any help for me thats awsome, but ill be back when im all done with some pictures to show what ive done. (good or bad)

hapoo

as OremuS said, most laptop manufacturers use propietary connections for displays. That said, figure out what brand/make display you have and try to look up the connections online.

spigidygak

Most cases are you probably can find some info that way. Sort of a side note, cool program to check out to use laptops as secondary monitors. http://www.maxivista.com/

__________________

GilbertsGrape

found this on a nother forum
http://www.eio.com/public/lcd/0064.html

Hi,


Converting a laptop LCD panel as a car dislay can be easy or difficult depending on the type and configuration of your LCD. In other words, it dpends on how many major components (or ingredients) your LCD comes with. If you are planning to pull this LCD right out of a laptop then you will have almost all of the components you need. Since you did not mention what you have, I will just go ahead and list what you will need assuming the base (worst?) case:


1. You need an LCD. Ok, that is kinda obvious. But none the less makes the list more complete. This is just the final display component. You will need the following components to power it and drive it with the signals coming out of your portable DVD player (or any other NTSC/PAL compatible video source)


2. Now you need to figure out the configuration and parameters of your LCD (such as current/voltage requirements, Horizontal/Vertical frequency ranges it operates on) and obtain a suitable LCD controller. The LCD controller is the device that converts the output of the portable DVD player to appropriately display the picture. This card could cost you anywhere from $250/- to $300/- (new) unless you manage to get a used one off ebay (or something like that). Note that you will need a card that is compatible with your LCD panel!


On the other hand, since you say you are pulling the LCD off a laptop, that indicates that the LCD has its own controller that can take VGA signals and drive the LCD. However, the catch here is, "can the LCD controller be removed from the computer?" For instance, if the LCD controller is integrated with your motherboard, then you can't pullit out..gotta cut it out right? so when you cut it out are you sure you are not missing some important component (could be as simple as a surface mounted resistor that is small enough to miss out) and that way you blow the controller completely. However, if you can identify and remove the controller off the laptop..then cool! Now, you have a controller that will take VGA input and display the data on the LCD. In this case (you have a controller), then you could simply get a NTSC to vga controler (allegedly available for about $100/- at http://www.converters.tv/converters/ntsc/vga.html) and appropriately connect power supply and presto! it should all work.


3. Next come the CCFL (Cold Cathode Flourecent Lamp) that provide the backlight for your LCD. These are driven with 12VDC (like the one that comes from your car cigarette lighter) and you will need a component called "Inverter" (a small printer circuit board) that converts the 12V dc to about 1000V AC (Yup 1000V high voltage but low current). You will need a backlight and inverter. Again, since you say you are pulling it off a Laptop, that mean you have the inverter and the CCFL tubles. Now the next question is, can you pull the inverter bard off the laptop. If so fine. Otherwise you can get a inverter off eio.com for about $15/-
Take care when wiring these in (remember 1000V!)


4. Last but not the least you need some kind of casing and housing to put all these things in suitably and if you want to mount it in your car, you may need a head rest mount or something like that. I am not sure how much these costs. But you should be able to find suitable mouting options possibly for auto zone.


Depending on your skill and knowledge this can be relatively easy or complex. Since you are asking this question, I am guessing that you have some learning curve here. Unless you are really sure that you have a working LCD, a good controller, CCFL, and inverter you could end up spending more money than you bargained for on this. Don't forget to account for the frustration and labor you will have to go through to do all this. Often novice find it penny wise and dollar foolish to do this kind of stuff. IMHO, you would be better off buying a LCD display panel that takes A/V input (from your DVD player) and installing it. For example, you could buy a 7" (16:9) LCD display for car mounting for about $150/- (www.mcmonline.com) or buy it off ebay (you can get 3 units for $175/- brand new!). You will save yourself a lot of aggravation and time buying new units. However, if you are doing this for the pleasure of learning and knowledge...then explore away...

GilbertsGrape

some other www's to check out
http://store.earthlcd.com/s.nl/c.318...jGr5XDqQLvpAe_

http://store.earthlcd.com/

http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorD...6-5128720.html

http://www.geek.com/sysup/sysup0799/upques162.htm