I finally got to play a Vectrex again for the first time since the 80s last fall. Analog Vector graphics are still the best. I wish someone would program an emulator that would let you plug your audio output into your dual trace CRT oscilloscope and play old games on it.

Better yet, I wish someone would develop an open-hardware vector graphic projector, maybe using an inexpensive laser pointer for the beam. Beyond my abilities but seems well within the reach of someone with some proper engineering skills.

Imagine having a modest box you could sit on a table, plug in your stereo and USB controller and play the original arcade Star Wars or whatever vector ROMs you had, 8 feet high on your living room wall. Color vector graphics would be harder, but possible - you'd just need multiple lasers.

Honestly, you could probably get most of the way there by hacking one of those cheap "laser light show" things you can get at Radio Shack.

Looks like there's been some success in doing that.

http://jv4779.blogspot.com/2013/03/laser-projector-playing-mam e-vector.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drd8kk51vmM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2JKr-Vkz8A

Flicker looks like a problem. The CRTs have a long-ish decay to hide this, a laser has none.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHImBmesHX0

Yeah, an oscilloscope would work better but the screen is tiny and you'd probably burn it and your retina if you played too long.

I'm not sure what possessd me to think that DIY laser projectors weren't a thing, if I can design one in my head in two minutes that means it must be at least 30 year old technology.

I wonder if you could reduce flicker by breaking the screen into different quadrants and use different lasers in parallel to project a single frame.

NOOO

Don't know if I should resubmit, but another copy is here in blurrier quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o1CpzenU5o

Oh and this one's not bad, very dark near the edges though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KvlBGmyyb0