1. How to start

Well, after little research I realize that the only proper way to made LCD TFT screens to work, is to add LCD controller board with proper data source, as TTL data type or LVDS data type .

- TTL standard is a very old LCD system, unfortunate it takes a lot of cable connections, because each color needs at least 6 bits of color data, plus some control and clock signals. Some use 8 bits, so more cables to add.

- Modern LCD TFT displays use LVDS interface to connect with controller, that is a way better, because of low count of cables connections.

Usually, on one LVDS pair cable (two wires), we can transmit 6 bits of one color data in serial.

For those who want to know better - please read this Wikipedia

Another important factor playing with LCD is a price, sometime is not worth to made lot of work for made a "thing", that similar we can buy new at half of price we paid for our "thing". So price factor is very important.

Except price there is also another very important factor - the fun and knowledge. Some electronic knowledge we surely get making such LCD, and fun from DIY work.

Finally, everyone must made proper balance between price and fun, I am sure that for anyone, the center point of that balance will be different.

After looking into internet, there is a lot suppliers offering solutions for reuse LCD panels.

Prices below are exchanged for USD from my local currency in Europe (summer 2014).

Most ready-to-use controller solutions cost around 25-55USD, what made those solutions not much attractive, when we compare that used LCD 15''-17'' PC monitor cost around 35-55USD at second hand market.

Situation change when we look for LCD display device able to work as PC monitor, as HDMI, as AV input and as analog TV or Digital TV device.

Here, prices for such new and used units are higher, so still worth to made such DIY device.

Unfortunate, analog TV signal is no more transmitted, so we can still use small external digital TV receiver, MPEG4 box with HDMI output and AV output, besides, most TV cable networks, along with digital signal still transmitting a lot of channels, as old good analog TV.

Where to get such universal LCD TFT controller boards ? there are not surprise - best offers are from China.

I was looking around, the best offer was from ebay or internet stores, there are best prices for LCD controller boards and accessories, like CCFL inverters and keyboards.

Also this store have good prices, search for "LCD controller".

To made LCD to work, some basic skills are necessary :

- some primary school electricity knowledge about Voltage, Amperage and Ohm's law

I must admit that Voltage (V) and Amperage (A) are completely different "things" , so recommended some reading in old school books, or to refresh knowledge before starting work or asking for help.

- electrical schematic readings and understanding

- using soldering iron, soldering paste and tin

- using multimeter and screwdrivers

- patience and accuracy, any error and screen, controller or both will burn (in electronic hell's flames)

Below are table of screens resolutions used mostly in PC standard

4:3 Standard Displays

16:9 and 16:10 Wide-screen Displays

Comparison chart of computer displays and video (from Wikipedia)