A relatively small liquid-crystal display (LCD) device located well above the fresnel stage of an overhead projector produces large, sharp images with full color and motion. A focus-correcting lens moves with the overhead projector's optical head to maintain proper projection-focus and magnification. Spectrally-selective filters are interposed between the LCD device and fresnel stage to avoid LCD deterioration. A fan-actuated shutter or electrically-actuated shutter optionally provide still further protection. Optical collimation methods are employed to attain a large depth-of-field and image brightness.