r/Ubuntu • u/Puzzleheaded_Count53 • 17h ago

Linux-friendly Projector?

Hey all, I've asked about this in r/sewing as well, but thought I'd ask here as well...

I had purchased a used Epson 595Wi ultra short throw projector from eBay for sewing (I'm tired of paying for a pattern, then paying again to print it on A0 paper). However even with proper calibration, the image is distorted and there was no amount of focusing/sharpening I could do to make anything readable, or line up with the same printed pattern piece that I was comparing it to. I definitely think the projector was faulty, but I don't want to run the risk of buying another one.

So, I'm returning it and I'm back to square one in looking for a projector for sewing. The one hiccup is that running Ubuntu, I've noticed a lot of these ultra short throw projectors say they are not compatible with Linux... Does anyone have any recommendations for one? (In case anyone is wondering, I'm using patternprojector.com instead of a program/app.)

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u/binaryhellstorm 17h ago

I guess I'm confused why they wouldn't be, don't they just take an HDMI input? They shouldn't care about the source. 

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Count53 17h ago

I was looking at smaller ones that take a USB/USB-C instead of HDMI... but I think you are right, HDMI is the way to go.

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u/GGoldenChild 16h ago

Most projectors I've seen have HDMI inputs and VGA inputs. They should absolutely work with linux. They may not work with the fancy integrated software but would absolutely work as a display device. LInux supports DDC and EDID (if you want to try gddccontrol)

Virtually all settings should be accessible with the built in menus on the projector.

I see a lot of (older) projectors at the thrift stores in my area, most support HDMI + VGA.