I opened up the projector and did some research on the chips inside… I was able to find datasheets for the A-D and D-A converter chips and targeted them in the hunt for interesting visual effects. By inspecting the densely-populated SMT main board I gained some insight into the flow of video data in the projector. All of the inputs are analog video of different formats. The analog RGB signals are routed through A-D converters, and once digitzed, the data is held in registers for processing by a VLSI circuit that presumably re-formats the resolution and scan rate to accomodate the projector’s optics. From there the digitized video is converted back to analog via A-D converters (one for each color red, green, and blue), and hits the analog LCD drive circuitry.

To safely probe the various (mis)-connections I wanted to make, I wired up a 1k resistor and a thin wire. The resistor limits current flow and prevented damage as I made various connections. In the end I came up with six bends that were unique, and installed three toggles and a rotary switch on the front panel. These bends created color-shifting effects, lo-fi pixelization, and ghosting… not too interesting on their own, but when combined with a live camera feedback loop, I saw some rather interesting imagery. Focusing the camera on the projected image created the classic feedback tunnel effect, and when augmented by the bends I had wired, the tunnel was transformed into a beautiful fractal-like effect.

Due to a mishap, I accidentally blew up something in the blue channel’s drive circuitry so my projector only does red and green now. This occurred in a cavalier moment when I probed the circuit without a 1k safety resistor in the jumper wire… should have known better.

Unfortunately I did not have the chance to record or photograph the output seriously. However, I did run into a nice blogger named Stef Lewandowski, who interviewed me while I was showing off the projector at Dorkbot. You can visit his blog to hear his interview with me:

http://www.steflewandowski.com/?p=363

In early to mid-2007 I spent a good amount of time designing a graphic-art oscillator circuit called the Geometric Oscillator, and was able to generate a quantity of drawings exploring the system’s potential. I keep a gallery of drawings on my flickr.

Paul’s article also includes references to early oscillator art of Paul Laposky, Mary Ellen Bute, and Herbert Franke. I appreciate connecting with the history of this field and love examples of good old scope art from the 1950’s.

Dataisnature.com is updated monthly with interesting links on the subjects of generative art, experimental art, op art, and other good stuff.