Ben Heck's FPGA LCD Driver Hack

Ben finds an LCD that is the perfect size for a pinball display, but it only runs composite video and that just won’t do. Ben uses his oscilloscope to figure out how the LCD works so he can reverse engineer it using an FPGA.
Learn more about the Tektronix spectrum analyzer at
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[@intheblues]

Ben - Your vast knowledge on everything electronics is off the planet. Every video I shake my head and smile about how much you know, retain, and explain. :-)

[@markconger8049]

I can't believe I have just found this video after two years of searching how to possibly use displays without controllers. This is the best tech video I've watched all year (2017.) Thank you, Ben!

[@petereric95]

[@psiewert83]

Ah you know...just messing around with my $14,200 oscilloscope.

[@brandonlewis2599]

This was the best episode yet. I really enjoyed this. l especially like how this episode showed in detail the process of reverse-engineering, and all (or most, anyways) of the guess-work that is involved. And how you just need to jump in there and experiment.

[@shana_dmr]

I love how you explained "FP" in FPGA as 'can be programmed anywhere, even on a field' :D

[@malgailany]

One of the most interesting videos I've seen recently!

[@sergioorjuela7896]

I really enjoyed the exposure to more advanced electronics. This is definitely one of my favorite shows. Thanks Ben!!!

[@arcadeuk]

Ben,

[@RoyHess666]

Dear Ben,

[@jonathanbirdwell7852]

I loved this episode, especially the differential video explanation and the use of the fpga on your channel.

[@TheSugarwolf31]

This video has perfect timing. I am working on converting an old laptop lcd into an hdmi monitor and it really helps to see the process step by step.

[@odrabil123]

I'm still amazed how you found the clock frequency and were able to identify each bit. I don't know if you did that quickly or if it took you some time but edited the video. In any case, what an amazing exercise! In my opinion, this kind of videos is truly motivating for future electronics/electrical engineers :D

[@VacFink]

This one was a nice change. Over my head if I'm honest but something I've been curious about for a long time. Glad to see more pinhacks. I want to add a lot of video elements to my own pinball project (Fifth Element) and this is an exciting solution. Great motivation to get deeper into programming and clear explanation of why this kind of reverse engineering/hack is as uncommon and difficult. Thanks for taking on the challenge and sharing!

[@rluquett]

You are amazing! love all your videos and every time I come to your channel I learn something new that I can use in my professional field. Thanks!

[@DoctorWhy777]

Also found this on wiki in regards to color depth.

[@tekvax01]

just a point of clarification... front and back porch are for the horizontal sync, the pre equalization and post equalization pulses are used in vertical sync.

[@Backbeardjack99]

Awesome!!!! Just awesome! Please Ben, do a complete FPGA tutorial!

[@jamescatania]

Although most of us don't have the equipment/knowledge to do this ourselves, thanks for taking the time and effort to explain how it works and how to do this with fpga, now at least I know how to do a fast cycle between bits with differential signalling, without the need to change current states from high to low... awesome video very well done and thank you again

[@aronheck7584]

Very nicely done, especially with that FPGA. That is another level of complexity