Abstract: A low cost, compact projection display source that serves as a very bright image source for an automotive head up display. The present invention is comprised of a high intensity halogen light source and a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display is controlled by display electronics that write images onto the liquid crystal display that are to be displayed to the driver or passengers of a vehicle. Light output from the high intensity light source is transmitted through a piece of infrared energy absorbing glass, a decentered lens, such as a Fresnel lens, and a diffuser that uniformly backlights the liquid crystal display. Crossed polarizers are used on either side of the liquid crystal display. The high intensity light output transmitted by the liquid crystal display is passed through a yellow-orange output window which is projected onto a toric combiner for display to the driver of the vehicle.