Display

“Adalight” OSHW Dynamic Adaptive Display Backlighting

We’ve posted about Phillips’ Ambilight (Wikipedia) real-time multicolor display backlighting system, and various DIY versions thereof, before (see below). If you’re not familiar with the idea, watch a few seconds of the embedded video, as it’s hard to appreciate the effect from still images. If you believe the hype, this kind of dynamic backlighting improves viewing by making it more “immersive” and reducing “backlight bleed.” In any case, it’s certainly cool-looking.

Continue Reading October 5th, 2011 Sean Michael Ragan14

Make: Projects – Hinge-Technique Acrylic Box Construction Using a Router

Recently, I posted about German firm Serrox Technischer Handel’s video showing an interesting alternative to the basic slab-joint method for building an acrylic box. Their technique, which involves cutting 90-degree V-grooves almost all the way through the plastic, has much to recommend it over the slab-joint method, with the exception that they use a very expensive custom V-shaped sawblade to cut the grooves. I wondered, at the time, whether it might not work just or almost as well with a cheap 90-degree V-groove router bit, and with some encouragement from Angus Hines, I decided to try it, myself.

Continue Reading September 30th, 2011 Sean Michael Ragan10

In the Maker Shed: LinkM

The LinkM, from the Maker Shed, is a USB adapter for BlinkM Smart LEDs that addresses two of the most frequently-requested features: It enables you to program your BlinkM (or MaxM or MiniM) without setting up a separate I/O board, such as an Arduino, and it lets you program or control multiple BlinkMs simultaneously.

Continue Reading September 27th, 2011 Maker Shed2

Android on a 23″ Touchscreen

For some reason we seem to be stuck on the latest handset or tablet and can’t quite seem to break free of the allure of the $500 gewgaw. What happens when you want to read the morning news and aren’t quite satisfied with the handheld screen size? Well, if you’re like Martin Drashkov, you’ll grab some off-the-shelf components and cobble together a proof-of-concept and call it the Android MegaPad.

Continue Reading September 22nd, 2011 Adam Flaherty1

Pico Projector + Light Fixture + Free Code = Desktop Spherical Display

Sometimes, I get this feeling like I’ve seen it all – that nothing that comes along is ever going to inspire or delight me the same way that certain ideas, systems, inventions, and/or artworks did when I was younger. It always passes, sooner or later, but while I’m under that spell it can be…well, it can be a bit depressing, honestly. So I feel like I ought to thank International Man of Mystery Nirav Patel, somewhat more personally than usual, for making and sharing this wonderful thing. I am inspired.

Continue Reading September 19th, 2011 Sean Michael Ragan8

Lightpack, a Content-Driven Ambient Lighting System for Displays

Atarity from Izhevsk in the Russian Federation wrote in to share his project, Lightpack, a LED-managing board that plugs into a display and changes the RGB levels depending on what is displayed on the screen.

Continue Reading August 26th, 2011 John Baichtal22

Psychedelic Video Coat

Check out this groovy video coat from YouTuber nixiebunny1. What appears to be an array of flex boards full of RGB LEDs attached to a standard lab coat, this iPod accessory seems like it would be a big hit at parties with a little tailoring.

Continue Reading July 18th, 2011 Adam Flaherty14