A projection design configured for use with a projector having a projector lens is provided. The device includes at least one pi-cell or pi-cell electro-optical modulator in combination with a wire grid polarizer mounted proximate the pi-cell(s). The design may include a cleanup polarizer between the pi-cell(s) and the wire grid polarizer and optionally a protective window between the wire grid projector and projection lens. The device may be oriented at an angle substantially differing from the axis of the projector lens. The resultant device includes spacing for airflow and can offer improved performance, particularly in heating, over designs previously available.