Laptop LCD conversion...

[theknub]

hey guys,
as some of you know, i bought a house back in december. i am just finishing a remodel on the place and had a little idea today. i have a bum laptop with a perfectly good 17" display. i have this little blank space in the kitchen that the screen would prob fit nicely integrated into (or the hot tub ). what i'm looking at trying to do is somehow integrating the panel so i can hook up a sat box or some other input. not worrying about heat, fire, or any of those other fun things, anyone have any ideas, equipment, etc to accomplish this? maybe it's just a pipe dream, but i figured it's worth looking into.

thanks.