Hi guys,

OK, I'm going to build a component rack into a closet in my HT. I want to use glass, lexan or plexiglass for the shelves because I want to use some sort of lighting to illuminate them. The effect I'm going for is even light distribution throughout the shelves, and not to bright as to be a distraction when the room lights are down low. Anybody have any good ideas on what material and light source would work best?

Thanks

Czav

1/2", or probably even better, 3/4" plexi with LED lights inserted would give you a very nice lighted shelf effect. You would just use a drill bit the size of the LED tip and drill a 1/4" deep hole on the edge of the plexi to insert the LED lamp in.

Check out some car audio fabrication sites. It is done in this manner all the time for lighting up installs. And don't forget to show us pics when done. Should look cool!

to do it without hotspots you will need the LEDs placed less than an inch apart.

I did some experiments with LEDs and glass shelves Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1014900&highlight=led&page=5)

I have thought about using these led light strips:

leddistributors.net/flexstrip.html

anyone have any experience with them? Staffy, do you think these would give a similar effect to your setup?

Too expensive for me :) I thought abou tusing them, but since mine were shelves in a wood cabinet, it was much easier for me to spend 10$ on LEDs and 10$ on a 5mm bit.

You need to llok at some sort of LED diffuser. Go with the cheap LED route and experiment. Worst case, you have some cool LEDs laying around for other crap in the future.

I would stay away from acrylics. They tend to cloud over time. I would suggest putting distance between the LED's and the shelves if possible so you get an even glow and not something that looks like cheap rope light. JMHO