Interfacing a graphic LCD

Pretty Jumper Cables

A few years ago, I purchased a surplus set-top box that was basically just a generic 100Mhz x486 compatible computer that I was going to use as a component in my stereo system to play MP3s, complete with remote and LCD display. I wrote the server-side database (Apache, SQL) and had most of the client-side software written (all in Perl, IIRC.) The last piece of the puzzle was getting the LCD & remote (plus a rotary encoder for good measure) working. I had already found the perfect LCD (from All Electronics, of course); it was the (almost) perfect physical dimensions for my box, and I had already designed some variable-width fonts and planned the functionality of the interface - I just, you know, didn't know how to make it all work. Well, I decided to tackle this last part of functionality.