It’s not often that I get a first look at a new 4K projector before it hits the market.
So when I was invited to start testing out the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2, I jumped at the chance and tried to be as helpful as possible with answering questions the company had about my user experience.
This Pro 2 unit that I received isn’t the final model. It’s one developed for Design Validation Testing (DVT). Valerion, led by the team behind AWOL Vision, recently launched this line via Kickstarter.
AWOL Vision has been getting a lot of attention in the home theater space, and it’s easy to see why with the features they’ve packed into this model. The Pro 2 shares many features with the flagship VisionMaster Max, and I’ve been testing it out for the past three weeks.
Features and Specifications
The VisionMaster Pro 2 is a long-throw projector with a throw ratio between 0.9:1 and 1.5:1. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode.
It runs Google TV on Android 12, with all the native apps you’d expect. The setup process was smooth using the Google Home app on my smartphone, and the remote makes accessing calibration, audio, and picture settings easy.
This model uses an RGB Triple-Laser light source, covering 110% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut, which makes colors vibrant and lifelike, especially in nature scenes or animated films.
I spent my testing period watching a half dozen 4K nature videos on YouTube. The contrast and color detail really popped when watching these videos, especially landscape scenes that had minute nuance all over the screen.
I included shots of these nature scenes in my YouTube video about my testing, and you can check out the 120-inch floor rising matte white screen that I used.
The IMAX-enhanced version of “Black Panther” looked especially impressive, with the larger aspect ratio and added detail from Dolby Vision making everything pop. Action scenes were incredibly smooth, creating an immersive experience — just like being in a theater.
Brightness is rated at 3,000 ISO lumens, and while I haven’t tested this scientifically, it’s definitely the brightest long-throw projector I’ve used.
You can watch it in a lit room, but for deep blacks and the best contrast, you’ll want a dim or dark room.
Performance and AI Enhancements
The Pro 2 is powered by a MediaTek AI-SoC MT9618 chipset, with 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM, which optimizes picture quality in real time.
Features like AI Super Resolution, accessible via a dedicated button on the remote, really enhance the picture quality, especially in HDR formats. Motion handling was impressive, whether I was watching sports or gaming.
I also tested input lag using my Xbox Series X. The projector handled fast-paced gaming well, with minimal lag. The Pro 2 boasts 4ms input lag at 1080p@240Hz, 8ms at 1080p@120Hz, and 15ms at 4K@60Hz, making it ideal for both casual and competitive gaming.
The Pro 2 uses a 0.47-inch Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) for projection, which is standard for high-quality 4K UHD projectors.
Audio and Connectivity
The VisionMaster Pro 2 comes with two 10W DTS Virtual speakers, which offer decent sound for built-in speakers.
I found that the movie mode provided the best range, but your ideal settings will depend on the size of your room. If you want bigger sound, you can connect an external system via HDMI eARC or optical port.
The projector also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Miracast for wireless streaming. On the back, you’ll find a variety of ports: two HDMI 2.1 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port with eARC support, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, SPDIF for digital audio, and an Ethernet port. It also has Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2 for enhanced connectivity.
Build Quality
The build quality is solid, with a polished metal finish that looks great. There’s a stand at the bottom to adjust the height slightly, along with a tripod fitting.
All the ports feel secure, and the overall design is sleek and functional. The projector feels sturdy, and the attention to detail in the build quality is evident.
Price and Comparison with VisionMaster Max
I’m told that the Pro 2 model will eventually retail for $3,499. The VisionMaster Max will have a couple of additional features, including vertical lens shifting and a dynamic iris.
The vertical lens shifting feature allows for easier positioning without having to physically move the projector, and the dynamic iris helps enhance contrast for even better black levels. The VisionMaster Max also includes 3D support.
Conclusion
The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 delivers impressive features: Dolby Vision support, low input lag for gaming, and a bright, colorful picture with an RGB Triple-Laser light source.
It’s still in development, but it’s clear Valerion is aiming high, trying to bring a Hollywood-quality experience into your home. I’ll continue testing this unit, but so far, I’m excited about its potential.
Keep an eye out for their Kickstarter campaign for more updates as these projectors come to market.
