AWOL Vision: Delivering A Complete Immersive Audio/Video Experience
Posted on November 1, 2024 by Diane Jones
Previously, in our article titled AWOL Vision: Pioneering a New Path In Projection, we covered the AWOL Vision inception, company history, and their unique approach and solution-based design philosophy while touching upon some of their products. In this article, sponsored by AWOL Vision, we will dive deeper into their current product offering and explore some notable new products AWOL Vision introduced in 2024.
Projectors are often thought to be limited to dark, theater-style rooms like a dedicated “man cave” or a movie room. However, AWOL Vision is working hard to change this perception, bringing a high-quality, immersive movie experience to any room in the home—even those with ambient lighting. Designed with flexibility in mind, AWOL Vision projectors deliver outstanding picture quality without requiring a dedicated theater space.
"We are committed to transforming your living room into a movie theater, ensuring that every moment of entertainment becomes a memorable and extraordinary journey.”
Steven Shulman
President of AWOL Vision
AWOL Vision Laser TVs
AWOL Vision utilizes premium components sourced from top suppliers to ensure exceptional performance. Their projectors incorporate Texas Instruments' 0.47 Digital Micromirror Devices (DMD), NICHA RGB Laser diode light sources, and advanced Ricoh all-glass lenses. Combining these high-grade components and precise picture tuning allows AWOL Vision projectors to rival offerings from major projector brands.
In addition to premium hardware, AWOL Vision projectors are equipped with cutting-edge features such as Dolby Vision and HDR 10+. The company also continually enhances its projectors with free firmware updates, delivering new features such as:
Active 3D support
Dolby Vision compatibility
Black Level Enhancement
Turbo Mode with 8ms gaming response
Film Maker Mode at 24 FPS
Professional Calibration mode
Control 4 compatibility
Aspect Ratio options (21:9, 32:9, 16:10)
CenterSync for channel speaker mode
AWOL Vision Projector Lineup
At the core of AWOL Vision's lineup is its ultra short throw projector series, which includes three models. Their flagship LTV-3500 Pro, priced at $5,499, builds on the success of the award-winning LTV-3000 Pro, featuring a 0.45” DLP chip with XPR technology to display 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). With a brightness rating of 3500 ANSI lumens, the LTV-3500 produces sharp, vivid images even in well-lit rooms, making it one of the most advanced ultra short throw projectors on the market.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is designed for home entertainment enthusiasts who demand the best picture quality and versatility. It’s ideal for those looking to create a cinematic experience in their living room without the need for a dedicated dark room. Common applications include movie watching, and gaming, but AWOL Vision projectors could even be utilized in professional applications where image clarity and color accuracy are critical.
AWOL Vision Flagship LTV-3500 Pro projector is feature packed
The “Pro” at the end of the model name indicates that the LTV-3500 Pro is designed to work seamlessly with a range of Home Installation control systems. PR Link IP Control Protocol ensures integration with the most popular Smart Home systems like Control 4, Savant, URC, and Creston.
The middle-tier LTV-3000 Pro, priced at $3,999, also offers 4K UHD resolution but with a slightly lower brightness rating of 2400 ANSI lumens. This brightness is still more than sufficient to offer a quality picture in a room with some ambient lighting. Finally, the entry-level LTV-2500 delivers 4K UHD with 2000 ANSI lumens, retaining many of the same high-end features found in the higher-end models. The primary difference across these models lies in brightness, allowing customers to choose the best fit for their room’s lighting conditions.
All AWOL Vision projectors feature RGB triple laser technology, which provides a vivid color range, covering 107% of the BT.2020 color space. Their projectors also support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG and are bundled with an Amazon Fire TV Max for seamless access to streaming platforms.
We have been impressed with the three AWOL Vision projectors we have reviewed and each one has been given an award from Projector Reviews. The chart below shows the differences between the three projectors. Each projector can be purchased standalone or bundled with one of AWOL Vision's projection screens.
AWOL Vision Laser TV Model Comparison
Model
LTV-2500
LTV-3000 Pro
LTV-3500 Pro
Price
$2999
$3,999
$5,999
Displayed Resolution
4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Light Source
RGB Laser
RGB Laser
RGB Laser
Color Space
107% Rec2020
107% Rec2020
107% Rec2020
Brightness
2000 ANSI lumens
2400 ANSI lumens
3300 ANSI lumens
Native Contrast
2500:1
2500:1
2500:1
Len Assembly
Ricoh F2.0 Glass Lens
Ricoh F2.0 Glass Lens
Ricoh F2.0 Glass Lens
HDR Formats
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, HDR10
Screen Size
36 Watt Stereo
36 Watt Stereo
36 Watt Stereo
Input Lag
15ms (4K@60hz)
8ms (1080P@120hz)
15ms (4K@60hz)
8ms (1080P@120hz)
15ms (4K@60hz)
8ms (1080P@120hz)
This year, AWOL Vision announced the LTV-3500 Max, which is targeted toward business and professional applications. It offers features and performance similar to the LTV-3500 Pro, however, the LTV-3500 Max provides additional connectivity and control capabilities. For example, the LTV-3500 Max is designed to integrate seamlessly with control systems from companies like Crestron, Savant, Elan, URC, and Control 4.
The LTV-3500 Max includes an HDBaseT connection that supports high-definition video, audio, Ethernet, power, and control signals up to 100 meters (328 feet) over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable, which is cheaper and easier to install than long active HDMI cables or fiber optic solutions. HDBaseT provides significant cost savings at longer cable runs without compromising quality making it perfect for professional and commercial applications.
AWOL Vision Screen Options
AWOL Vision offers an impressive selection of projection screens designed to enhance the home viewing experience by providing exceptional image clarity and color accuracy. With a focus on Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens, AWOL Vision aims to deliver high-quality visuals in rooms with varying light levels, making it easier than ever to enjoy big-screen entertainment in any living space.
AWOL Vision’s screen lineup includes options in multiple sizes, catering to a range of room dimensions and viewer preferences. Available in sizes like 100 inches and 120 inches, their screens are compatible with short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors, providing an immersive viewing experience without the need for long throw distances. For those looking to elevate their home theater setup, these screens work particularly well with AWOL Vision’s laser projectors, offering a highly complementary pairing that brings out the best in both devices.
One of the key considerations when selecting a projector screen is the type of screen surface. AWOL Vision specializes in Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens, which are engineered to perform optimally in rooms with ambient light. ALR screens minimize light interference from surrounding sources, allowing the projected image to appear brighter, with more vivid colors and better contrast. This is particularly advantageous in living rooms or multi-purpose spaces where total light control is challenging. On the other hand, matte white screens, which are more traditional, are known for providing a true-to-life color balance and excellent viewing angles, but they do not handle ambient light well. Matte white screens work best in dark rooms where external light sources can be entirely minimized.
Within the ALR category, there are two main types of screen technology: lenticular and fresnel screens. Both of these options are designed to reject ambient light, but they do so in different ways, which affects the viewing experience. Lenticular screens are structured with vertical ridges that direct light toward the viewer. This construction makes them particularly effective at rejecting light coming from above, such as ceiling lights. They are an excellent choice for rooms where overhead lighting may interfere with the image. Lenticular screens are also well-suited for wide viewing angles, which makes them a good option for larger living spaces or home theaters where multiple people might be watching from different parts of the room.
Fresnel screens, by contrast, utilize a series of concentric grooves to control how light is directed toward the viewer. This design is highly effective in blocking ambient light from multiple directions, making fresnel screens ideal for spaces with significant side lighting or windows. Fresnel screens excel at enhancing brightness and contrast, delivering a sharp and vibrant image even in moderately lit rooms. However, they are best viewed from a more central position, so they might not be the ideal choice for setups where viewers are spread across a wide area.
Overall, AWOL Vision’s selection of projection screens offer an array of solutions to suit various viewing environments and preferences. For those seeking flexibility in mixed-use spaces, an ALR screen, whether lenticular or fresnel, will significantly improve image quality under ambient light conditions. Alternatively, for dedicated home theaters with controlled lighting, a matte white screen might offer the most authentic and immersive experience. AWOL Vision’s screens are engineered to bring cinematic visuals to any home, making them a valuable addition to any entertainment setup.
AWOL Vision Laser TV Cabinetry
For those setting up a home entertainment space, an AWOL Vision cabinet paired with an AWOL Vision projector and screen is a top-tier option to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your space. AWOL Vision offers several cabinets — including the AWOL Vision Station, Smart Cabinet, and Vanish Cabinet — each designed with unique features that make them standout choices for your setup
The cabinets are specifically engineered to support the positioning and alignment of AWOL’s ultra-short throw projectors, delivering a consistent and precise image every time. The current cabinet options include:
AWOL Station, a streamlined and affordable option in black, available in 100” and 120” sizes
AWOL Vision Smart Cabinet, which offers a slide-out feature to preserve room aesthetics, available in walnut or white, with 100”, 120”, and 150” options
AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV Cabinet, a mobile cabinet available in black for 100” and 120” screens, designed to house both projector and floor-rising screen for easy mobility
Unlike traditional entertainment centers, these cabinets have built-in compartments that accommodate your projector and associated equipment neatly and safely. The Smart Cabinet, for example, includes intelligent cable management solutions that reduce clutter and help you maintain a sleek look. You won’t have to worry about exposed cords, making your setup much cleaner and easier to manage.
Also, AWOL Vision cabinets maximize space efficiency which is ideal for those with limited space or looking to avoid bulky furniture. The AWOL Vision Vanish Cabinet, for example, includes a motorized lift that allows the projector to “vanish” when not in use, giving you full use of your space without compromising on style. With features like these, you can quickly transform a multipurpose room into an immersive theater and back again.
By offering high-quality projectors, screens, and cabinetry, AWOL Vision makes it easier to enjoy a theater-like experience in any room, transforming any space into an immersive entertainment hub. AWOL Vision provided me with a 120-inch motorized floor rising screen ($2299 MSRP) outfitted with an ambient light-rejecting material. They also sent an AWOL Station cabinet to hold the projector and the screen ($1,199 MSRP).
One of the standout advantages of the Station is its ability to position the LTV-3500 Pro perfectly, aligning the image seamlessly with the screen. This all-in-one design, combining the projector, cabinet, and screen, ensures top-notch picture quality and a straightforward setup process.
While we typically evaluate projectors in a dedicated media room or home office lab, the AWOL Vision Laser TV systems are specifically designed for use in everyday living spaces, which often have low to moderate ambient light.
When the screen was lowered, the AWOL Vision did not block our view.
The AWOL Vision system delivered bright colorful images even during middle of the day
The 120" motorized uprising ALR screen did an excellent job rejecting ambient light.
For the LTV-3500 Pro review, Philip set up the AWOL Vision Laser TV system in a living room/dining combo area, positioning the cabinet in front of a large bay of windows overlooking the back deck. Even in this challenging environment, the picture quality of the LTV-3500 Pro did not disappoint. The system delivered excellent-looking images when watching sports during the day and movies at night.
The system’s design offers remarkable flexibility because it doesn’t require mounting a traditional fixed or retractable screen. With the LTV-3500 Pro, the screen rises automatically when turned on. One of the great benefits of the pop-up screen and the sleek, low-profile cabinet is that it preserves the room’s view when the projector is off. I especially appreciated how the system blended into the decor when not used.
Introducing the AWOL Vision ThunderBeat Wireless Surround System
The AWOL Vision ThunderBeat is a True Wireless 5.1.2CH Dolby Atmos Home Theatre Sound System
Creating an immersive home theater isn’t just about screen size or resolution. High-quality sound can dramatically change the entertainment experience, drawing audiences into the world unfolding on screen. This is why AWOL Vision includes high quality built-in sound systems in their projectors.
However, even the best internal projector audio systems fall short when trying to deliver the impact, bass, and immersive sound found in blockbuster movies and the latest video games. That’s where the AWOL Vision ThunderBeat sound system comes in. The system, which can be utilized with both TVs and projectors, can significantly elevate your home entertainment experience. Due to its robust wireless configuration, it balances powerful immersive sound with ease of installation.
The Importance of Sound in Home Theater Experiences
Great visuals capture the eye, but impactful sound engages the entire body. Surround sound and low-end frequencies will make viewers feel like they’re right in the middle of an intense scene. Traditional sound bars or even built-in projector speakers provide standard sound output but can’t deliver the expansive soundscapes or intricate details present in high-quality audio formats. For instance, sound bars can boost the overall volume but may lack the capacity to provide clear distinction between sound layers, such as dialogue, background scores, and environmental effects, which results in a flatter sound experience.
ThunderBeat addresses this challenge by creating a truly immersive audio experience that matches the large-screen visuals provided by modern projectors. Through surround sound and dedicated subwoofers, ThunderBeat captures the nuance in soundscapes—think of rain sounds that feel like they’re all around you, or explosions that resonate with a palpable force. By enhancing audio realism, ThunderBeat offers users the ultimate cinematic immersion in their homes.
Standout Features of the AWOL Vision ThunderBeat Sound System
The ThunderBeat system is engineered to maximize sound quality and placement in any viewing room, featuring an array of specialized components and technologies. Let’s break down its most notable features and their benefits.
Dual Subwoofers for Deep Bass
ThunderBeat’s dual subwoofers deliver 120 watts of powerful, resonant bass that elevates the intensity of movies, games, and even music. While single subwoofers often concentrate sound in one area, dual subwoofers distribute low-end frequencies evenly across the space. This means that audiences feel the rumbling of an oncoming explosion no matter where they sit. By filling the room with balanced bass, ThunderBeat minimizes "dead zones" where sound might otherwise drop off, creating a full-bodied audio experience.
Satellite Speakers and Multi-Channel Sound
The ThunderBeat system includes four wireless satellite speakers, each delivering 60 watts of rich sound. This configuration allows for a detailed 4.2.2 surround sound experience, with two additional channels designated specifically for bass. These wireless satellite speakers enable a customizable layout, meaning users can position them around the room for an ideal soundstage. This flexibility makes ThunderBeat particularly versatile for rooms of different shapes and sizes, as users can achieve excellent sound distribution without needing extensive cabling or complex wiring.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Support
For home theater enthusiasts, Dolby Atmos and DTS support are crucial. ThunderBeat’s compatibility with these formats means it can decode and play the intricate soundtracks used in many films and streaming content, capturing the multi-dimensional audio effects that create an “above-and-around” listening environment. These formats are designed to position sound precisely, providing layers of audio depth that bring a 3D-like soundscape into the room. This is particularly impactful for action movies, where effects like overhead helicopters, rushing water, or crackling fires surround the listener.
Proprietary Wireless Technology
A key benefit of ThunderBeat is its fully wireless setup, which uses proprietary 5.2GHz and 5.8GHz wireless bands for strong, uninterrupted audio transmission. Unlike systems that rely on traditional Bluetooth, this proprietary technology maintains audio quality and reduces lag, syncing seamlessly with the visual output from a projector. This innovation keeps the audio clear and consistent, ensuring that even complex audio tracks remain stable without the interruptions common in congested wireless environments.
CenterSync Compatibility with AWOL Vision Projectors
While the ThunderBeat can be utilized with a wide range of TVs and projectors, combining it with an AWOL Vision projector offers some additional functionality. AWOL Vision projectors include a CenterSync feature which turns the projector’s high quality built-in speakers into the center channel in a ThunderBeat system.
This feature amplifies the clarity of dialogue, ensuring that spoken words stand out from background audio. This setup eliminates the need for a center channel while ensuring that dialogue is crystal clear.
CenterSync is an ideal solution for home entertainment enthusiasts who want to hear every word of dialogue over loud effects or music without straining to catch it.
Connecting the ThunderBeat System to Your Projector
ThunderBeat’s user-friendly connection options make setup simple and hassle-free. One of the primary connection methods is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which provides high-quality audio transmission between the projector and ThunderBeat. These HDMI options simplify connections and deliver improved sound quality over traditional analog connections, as they transmit audio digitally without losing fidelity.
For users looking for alternative connection methods, ThunderBeat also includes a Bluetooth transmitter dongle and supports 3.5mm auxiliary input. These options allow it to connect easily to a variety of devices, from projectors and TVs to gaming consoles and music players. With Bluetooth, ThunderBeat provides wireless audio even to devices that may not support HDMI ARC, maintaining a clean setup free from excessive cables.
Once connected, the system automatically detects the projector and calibrates to optimize the audio for the space, adapting to room acoustics for the best sound quality.
ThunderBeat’s Advantages Over Traditional Home Theater Systems and Sound Bars
While sound bars offer a significant upgrade over built-in projector speakers, they can’t compete with ThunderBeat’s surround sound capabilities. Sound bars, even those with “virtual surround sound,” generally rely on projecting audio waves at different angles to simulate the surround sound effect. In comparison, ThunderBeat’s dedicated satellite speakers create true surround sound with distinct audio channels for each speaker. This results in a more immersive and accurate soundscape, particularly for content formatted in Dolby Atmos or DTS.
Compared to a traditional home theater system with an AV receiver, ThunderBeat offers the same high-quality sound but without the need for complex setup, extensive wiring, or expensive receivers. Its wireless design and proprietary audio transmission make ThunderBeat much easier to install and maintain, while still delivering theater-quality sound.
In addition, the ThunderBeat’s CenterSync compatibility with AWOL Vision projectors provides a feature that neither traditional systems nor sound bars offer. By turning the projector itself into a center channel speaker, it eliminates the need for an additional speaker dedicated to dialogue. This solution saves both space and expense, as users don’t need to invest in a separate AV receiver or multiple external speakers for the center channel.
Who Will Benefit Most from the ThunderBeat System?
The ThunderBeat system is ideal for users who value an immersive home theater experience but don’t want the hassle of traditional wired setups. This system is perfect for anyone using a projector as the centerpiece of their home entertainment, particularly AWOL Vision projector owners who can take full advantage of CenterSync. It’s also an excellent choice for rooms where minimal wiring and equipment are preferred, as its wireless design and straightforward connectivity make installation accessible even to those new to home theater systems.
The AWOL Vision ThunderBeat sound system redefines home audio with a focus on high-quality, easy-to-use wireless technology that’s perfectly suited to projector setups. With Dolby Atmos support, dual subwoofers, and advanced CenterSync compatibility, ThunderBeat brings immersive sound that aligns with the stunning visuals of today’s projectors. By eliminating wires and the need for AV receivers, ThunderBeat creates a cinema-level audio experience without the complexity or expense associated with traditional sound systems.
ThunderBeat offers a comprehensive solution that marries convenience, quality, and cutting-edge audio technology for projector owners who want to elevate their entertainment setup.
Conclusion
Combining the ThunderBeat System with an AWOL Vision Laser TV will deliver an outstanding audio/visual experience.
Over the years, we have been impressed with the innovation and performance of all the AWOL Vision projectors. However, AWOL Vision has always stressed that to have a great home entertainment experience you need more than just a great projector, which is why they offer the several screen and cabinet options discussed in this article. This approach offers customers a holistic solution and easy-to-implement option to complete their entertainment experience and needs.
"We believe that entertainment must be taken to a new paradigm. We are here to communicate what could be possible for home entertainment. We are building it and inviting entertainment-enthusiasts of all kinds to level-up and experience digital projectors as what is next for them.”
Steven Shulman
President of AWOL Vision
The addition of the ThunderBeat wireless audio system was a natural next step in the AWOL Vision offering and further highlights their solution-based philosophy and performance-first mindset. The ThunderBeat system will allow more and more people to experience an outstanding visual and audio experience from the comfort of their homes with a simplified all-in-one solution.
We look forward to evaluating the ThunderBeat soon and providing a detailed review of its performance alongside an AWOL Vision projector as part of a full AWOL Vision entertainment experience.
