LCD - Built-in Display

Path One: Keep the current LCD

Duties

If recycling the current LCD, will need to ensure proper power is available and do one of two things:

• Convert the video signal from HDMI to 4-bit monochrome LCD signal
• Write a driver that is similar in structure to SPI/I2C framebuffer to output compatible signal

Pros

• Less hardware to purchase
• Keep original aesthetic

Cons

• Difficult to get awkward and high voltages to run CFL backlight
• Have to reverse engineer old 4-bit signal standard (Documentation is minimal, but looks to be comparable to VGA)
• Writing a god damn video driver

Path Two: Use a new LCD

Duties

If using a new off-the-shelf LCD, will need to find something that will fit inside of the current case.

• Curent screen: 4:3 ratio, 9.5" diagonal, 7.6" width , 5.7" height
• 16:9 screen: 11.6" diagonal, 10.1" width, 5.7" height
• 16:10 screen: 10.8" diagonal, 9.1" width, 5.7" height

Pros

• Much easier to just use HDMI/VGA and 12v power
• Brighter, easier to see
• Color!

Cons

• Damn near impossible to find modern LCDs that are the proper size
• Will need to make custom mounting hardware for the screen
• Price of a new LCD is slightly more than I'd like to spend