Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 Projector Review

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2, which retails for $2999, is a premium 4K laser home entertainment DLP projector designed to deliver exceptional performance in a compact and stylish package. The Pro2 is one of five models in the VisionMaster Series, and it caters to home entertainment enthusiasts by blending top-tier image quality, smart features, and ease of use.

The VisionMaster Pro2 utilizes Texas Instruments' 0.47-inch DMD chip and XPR technology to achieve a 4K onscreen resolution. Powered by a triple-laser light source, the projector has a rated brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens, and it reproduces over 107% of the Rec. 2020 color space, ensuring vibrant, lifelike colors.

The Pro2 has a native contrast ratio of 4,000:1, with dynamic contrast reaching 15,000:1. The projector’s black levels are better than most competitivity-priced lifestyle projectors. Its high-quality motorized lens system provides 0.9–1.5:1 optical zoom, enhancing installation flexibility while ensuring sharp, corner-to-corner image quality.

The Pro2 includes a wide range of features that elevate its performance. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, and active 3D playback, along with 24p and 48p frame rates. The projector also excels in gaming, with an ultra-low input lag of 4ms at 1080p/240Hz, providing a responsive experience for competitive players.

Additionally, the Pro2 is equipped with a robust internal stereo sound system featuring DTS Virtual X, which is capable of filling medium-sized rooms with immersive audio.

The projector utilizes the Google TV platform to support popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, and it also allows seamless casting via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Miracast.

The projector delivers impressive SDR and HDR image quality straight out-of-the-box. Even in challenging dark scenes, the Pro2 maintains contrast and clarity, outperforming many competitors in the lifestyle projector category.

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 is a well-rounded lifestyle projector that delivers high-end performance at a competitive price. It offers a blend of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience.

Whether for movies, gaming, or streaming, the Pro2 provides an immersive and visually stunning image, solidifying Valerion’s position as an up-and-coming projector manufacturer.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro2

Valerion VisionMaster Max - Projector Reviews - Image

Suggested Retail Price: $2999

Ratings Based On Comparable Models

Brightness

Color Reproduction

Contrast

Sound Quality

Pros

+ Excellent HDR Image Quality

+ Class-leading Contrast

+ Ultra Low Game Lag

+ Motorized Lens with Optical Zoom

+ Excellent Build Quality and Design

Cons

- Color Accuracy Could be Better

- Expensive for a Lifestyle Projector

- Valerion is a New Manufacturer

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OVERVIEW

The VisionMaster Pro2 is packed with performance features

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 is a 4K Tri-laser DLP projector that retails for $2999. The VisionMaster Pro2 has a rated brightness of 3000 ISO Lumens and offers a native contrast ratio of 4000:1 (15,000:1 dynamic). It is also equipped with a motorized lens that includes 0.9-1.5:1 optical zoom.

Valerion, a sister company of AWOL Vision, was founded in 2024 to focus on producing lifestyle-based projectors. AWOL Vision has already built a reputation for creating highly rated ultra-short projectors also referred to as Laser TVs.

Valerion projectors are designed to appeal to home entertainment enthusiasts who desire a compact standard throw projector with smart features and a built-in sound system. These types of projectors are called lifestyle projectors, and they are growing in popularity.

The VisionMaster Series are some of the most feature-packed lifestyle projectors available today. Based on their specs, the Valerion VisionMaster projectors have created a lot of buzz among projector enthusiasts, which resulted in a highly successful Kickstarter campaign where the company raised over $10 million.

The VisionMaster Pro2 is one of five models in the VisionMaster Series, which include the Max, Pro2, Pro, Plus2, and Plus. Valerion offers a model for nearly every type of user, from high-end cinephiles and extreme gamers to those seeking a more budget-friendly option for casual home theater setups. As you move up the VisionMaster lineup, you get a boost in brightness, higher contrast, and better lens assembly.

The Pro 2 is one of five projector in the Valerion VisionMaster Series

The VisionMaster Max and Pro2 cater to home theater enthusiasts looking for the highest brightness, contrast, and installation flexibility. Meanwhile, the Pro, Plus2, and Plus models offer solid performance for general home entertainment and gaming at more accessible price points.

There are common features found on every VisionMaster projector. They all utilize Texas Instruments' 0.47-inch DMD chip and XPR technology to deliver 4K UHD onscreen resolution. While their rated brightness may differ, the VisionMaster projectors include triple laser light sources, which can reproduce over 107% of the Rec. 2020 color space.

All VisionMaster projectors include features such as dynamic laser dimming, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced features, active 3D, 24p and 48p playback, HDR10 Plus, and dynamic tone mapping. Each unit has a 2 x 12-watt built-in sound system and Google TV. The input lag is also consistent across all models. In the Game mode with the DLP Turbo Mode engaged, input lag is just four milliseconds at 1080p/240fps, eight milliseconds at 1080p/120fps, and 15 milliseconds at 4K/60fps.

VisionMaster Model Comparison
Model	Max	Pro2	Pro	Plus2	Plus
Price	$3999	$2999	$2499	$2000	$1499
Brightness	3000	3000	2500	2000	1500
Contrast	4000:1 (15000:1 Dynamic)	4000:1 (15000:1 Dynamic)	3000:1 (10000:1 Dynamic)	3000:1 (10000:1 Dynamic)	3000:1 (10000:1 Dynamic)
Lens	0.9-1.5:1 Optical Zoom	0.9-1.5:1 Optical Zoom	0.9-1.5:1 Optical Zoom	Fixed	Fixed
Vertical Lens Shift	Yes	No	No	No	No
Dynamic Iris	Yes	No	No	No	No

Stepping up from VisionMaster Pro2 to flagship VisionMaster Max, it adds Dynamic Iris and Horizontal Lens Shift. These features are usually reserved for premium home theater projectors and are the primary reason the VisionMaster MAX retails for $1000 more than the VisionMaster Pro2.

A Dynamic Iris improves black levels and visible shadow details when viewing dark scenes. In addition to the optical zoom found on the Pro2 and Pro, the VisionMaster Max includes +/- 55% vertical lens shift to increase installation flexibility. If you can’t move the projector, lens shift is the preferred way to correct screen alignment issues because, unlike electronic keystone correction, it doesn’t negatively impact resolution.

While I initially wanted to review the VisionMaster Max, that unit isn’t available yet, so Valerion provided me with the VisionMaster Pro2. Although the Pro2 lacks the Dynamic Iris and vertical lens shift in the Max, the rest of its feature set is identical to the flagship model.

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 is designed to appeal to customers seeking a premium lifestyle projector. From the moment you begin the unboxing process, it's evident that Valerian has put significant thought into creating an impressive experience, especially for a projector at this price point.

To protect the projector during shipping, the unit arrived in robust packaging, which included a double-layered cardboard box and a secondary box containing a carrying case. The protective carrying case is made of solid foam and contains all accessories, including the remote and power supply. The case offers a convenient way to transport the Pro2 from location to location.

When I opened the carrying case, I was immediately impressed by VisionMaster Pro2’s build quality and beautiful design. The Pro2 measures (WxHxD) 10.2 x 7.3 x 8.5 inches (260 x 186 x 216 mm) and weighs 15.4 pounds, so its size and weight are similar to other premium lifestyle projectors from manufacturers like Hisense and BenQ.

Optional Valerion VisionMaster Floorstand

While most owners will place the projector on a table or shelf or utilize its optional stand, the VisionMaster Pro 2 could be ceiling-mounted. Valerion sells an optional ceiling mount, but the projector does not have the standard mounting points to attach it to a universal mount.

While the projector’s form factor works well in most lifestyle-focused environments, due to its square shape, it might look a little odd hanging from the ceiling. When placed in front of the viewer in a dark space, the projector’s "shiny" Electroplated Metal Strips, which wrap around the chassis, are beautiful, but they may produce some distracting reflections.

The front of the chassis holds the motorized lens along with CMOS and TOF sensors, which are utilized for features like autofocus, object avoidance, and auto keystone correction. In addition to the Google Assistant mic built into the remote control, a far-field Google Assistant mic is located on the top of the chassis. The intake and exhaust vents, along with the speakers, are located on the sides.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 Inputs - Projector Reviews - Images

The rear of the projector houses three HDMI ports, a headphone jack, a network connection, an optical out, an IR sensor, and two USB inputs—one USB 3.0 and the other USB 2.0. A rear panel conceals most of the connections, maintaining the sleek appearance of the device.

The VisionMaster Pro2 features an OpticFlex lens system. This high-quality motorized lens ensures a sharp image from corner to corner. The lens offers 1.7x optical zoom and has a throw ratio of 0.9 to 1.5:1. The Pro2 can project a 100-inch image from between 12 and 14 feet away. To simplify setup, the Pro 2 includes autofocus along with object avoidance and auto keystone correction.

The VisionMaster Pro2 features an adjustable focus and optical zoom via the projector's remote control.

The projector includes a well-designed remote control, which has a backlit, so it is easy to use in the dark. There is a built-in microphone for voice control via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. The remote includes dedicated buttons for quick access to popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Additionally, the remote has buttons for several functions, such as autofocus and auto keystone correction,

In terms of smart features, the VisionMaster series is well-equipped. Its Google TV operating system provides users access to many smart apps, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The Pro2 also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Miracast, allowing easy casting from mobile devices. They are also compatible with smart home systems like Google Home and Apple HomeKit and offer device control via Alexa and Control 4.

The VisionMaster includes one of the most advanced menu systems I have seen on a projector. In addition to tons of entertainment apps and streaming services, Pro2 is packed with features and technologies designed to optimize both the projector's picture and sound quality. I could write an entire article just on the notable features/adjustments found in the menu. The good news is the menu layout will be familiar to anyone who has used a Google TV-powered video display, the submenus just include more options than most comparable projectors.

To ensure the menu was quick and responsive, Valerion utilized an MT9618 chipset with 4G RAM and 128G ROM Memory. Due to its faster, more powerful processor, the VisionMaster Pro2 supports 4K at 144Hz and 1080p at 240Hz playback, which is great for hardcore gaming.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

The Vision Master Pro2 projector offers an impressive picture quality right out of the box, with several SDR preset picture modes such as VIVID, STANDARD, SPORTS, PC GAME, ENERGY SAVING, THEATER, and FILMMAKER MODE.

While several picture modes looked good, the THEATER and FILMMAKER MODE were the most accurate picture modes right out of the box. The other picture modes were cool, which could be beneficial when watching content under warm ambient light.

Straight out of the box, the picture quality is impressive, but as with any projector, there is always room for improvement through calibration. The projector comes with various adjustments, including multi-point Grayscale adjustments and CMS. While most people will not spend several hundred dollars to calibrate a three thousand dollar projector, at a minimum, you should make BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, and SHARPNESS adjustments to optimize your projector for your room.

Several free test patterns are available on Murideo’s website and YouTube channel. Check out our YouTube video on utilizing several test patterns called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. Murideo also has written instructions in the resource section of its website.

I took the time to measure and adjust the VisionMaster Pro2 for my space. I am including the before and after calibration results for my specific room and setup. I used Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software, a Murideo Seven Generator 8K, and a Klein K10-A colorimeter to measure the projector's color accuracy and make adjustments.

Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, I don't recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter/darker or your walls are a different color, copying someone else's results can be detrimental to the picture quality rather than improving it.

Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 Calibration Results - Projector Reviews - Images

My measurements backed up what I saw with my eyes, being that the THEATER and the FILMMAKER MODE were the most accurate picture modes out of the box. I choose to adjust the THEATER mode for SDR playback.

The pre-calibration color temperature for THEATER mode was 6502K, which is very close to the target of 6500 degrees K. However, the Grayscale measurements showed a slight over-emphasis toward green, which resulted in an average Graysch delta error of around 7. The gamma point was 2.13, nearly hitting my target of 2.2.

Before adjustment, the projector delivered 250 nits of brightness on my 100-inch screen, which is quite bright for viewing SDR.

Picture Mode: Theater
Color Temperature: 6502K
Gamma: 2.2
Average Grayscale dE: 7.3
Average Color Tracking dE: 1.6

Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

While the color temperature measured close to 6,500K, there was a slight green bias that was quickly corrected using the projector's 2-point or 20-point grayscale adjustments. A quick adjustment to the gains in two-point grayscale resulted in RGB Balance.

Once the RGB balance was adjusted, the color tracking was very good. Most of the colors had delta errors below 2. I fine-tuned Red and Blue further using the projector’s CMS adjustments.

To accurately track most red shades, the brightest reds were slightly understated. After adjustment, the picture mode’s brightness was very close to what it was before the unit was calibrated.

Picture Mode: Theater
Color Temperature: 6522K
Gamma: 2.2
Average Grayscale dE: 1.1
Average Color Tracking dE: 1.2

After adjustment, red was slightly under-saturated, but the average color tracking and RGB balance were great. Except for red, the VisionMaster Pro2 did an excellent job tracking SDR colors, which can be challenging for many RGB laser-equipped projectors.

HDR White Balance Before and After Adjustments

For HDR content, the projector provides several dedicated modes, such as HDR VIVID, HDR STANDARD, HDR ENERGY SAVING, HDR SPORTS, HDR GAME, HDR THEATER, and FILMMAKER MODE MODE and HDR IMAX ENHANCED. When viewing HDR10 material, the IMAX ENCHANCED, HDR THEATER, and FILMMAKER MODE were the best-looking picture modes.

There are also three dedicated Dolby Vision picture modes. The DOLBY VISION BRIGHT and DOLBY VISION DARK modes both looked good. Both modes have the same color temperature, but DOLBY VISION BRIGHT mode has a higher (Average Picture Level) and peak highlights.

The projector features independent CMS and RGB controls for both SDR and HDR, allowing for precise adjustments regardless of the content type. Similar to SDR, once the RGB was adjusted, the overall HDR color tracking was very good, although reds remained slightly under-saturated. The projector delivered 132% of the DCI-P3 color space, showcasing its impressive color capabilities.

Overall, I was impressed with the VisionMaster Pro2's HDR and SDR picture quality before calibration, but after calibration, the improvements were noticeable. The projector allows for fine-tuning to fit your room, making it easy to achieve color tracking and RGB or grayscale balance delta errors below 2 for both SDR and HDR.

BRIGHTNESS

The VisionMaster Pro2 has a rated brightness of 3000 lumens. To measure the unit’s brightness, I switched the projector to VIVID, its brightest picture mode, and ensured the Laser Luminance Level was set to its maximum. I also set the projector's Brightness Enhancer Setting to High—the Pro 2 produced 3054 lumens, which exceeded Valerion’s rated brightness. The Valerion Pro2 is one of the brightest Lifestyle-based projectors I have measured.

While engaging the projector Brightness Enhancer setting maximizes brightness, it negatively impacts color reproduction. Prolonged usage of this feature could also reduce the lifespan of the laser light source, so I would not recommend using it. The good news is that even in its most accurate modes, the Pro 2 delivers nearly 2500 lumens, which is quite bright.

Even after calibration, the brightness remained close to the pre-calibration level, which on my 100" matte white screen was around 255 nits. While 250 nits is quite bright for viewing SDR in a darkened space, the higher brightness significantly enhances HDR color reproduction. Higher brightness allows for less aggressive HDR Tonemapping, so the Pro 2 delivers good onscreen brightness while still displaying bright highlight detail.

Picture Modes: Brightness and Color Temperature
Picture Mode	Brightness Measured (Lumens)	Average Color Temperature
Vivid	2831	10463K
Standard	2852	8661K
Sports	2807	8576K
PC/Game	2813	8558K
Energy Saving	2368	8554K
Theater	2377	6502K
Filmmaker mode	2365	6358K

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

In my darkened space, with dynamic contrast settings turned off, I measured a native contrast ratio of around 3351, which is commendable for my room. With the Enhanced Black Level feature turned on, the contrast ratio increased to approximately 12,519. I could see the VisionMaster Pro2 measuring very close to Valerian's rated contrast ratios in a completely blacked-out space.

While it can't match the inky blacks produced by an LCOS-based Home Theater, the Pro2's black levels are commendable for a DLP projector, surpassing most reviewed models. The Vision Master Pro2 delivers a vibrant and colorful image with its 3000 ISO lumens, even in rooms with low to moderate ambient light. Users can reduce the lamp mode in darker settings or switch to the ENERGY SAVING picture mode.

Under laser luminance, the Enhanced Black Level option enhances the depth of blacks, revealing details in darker areas, such as Kylo Ren's black outfit in the throne room scene. The projector's dynamic dimming feature further enhances the viewing experience.

The Vision Master Pro2 excels in displaying dark details in shadows, especially when HDR tone mapping is engaged. It captures details often missed by other lifestyle projectors, as demonstrated in scenes from "Dune" and "The Batman." The projector supports Adobe Vision and HDR10+, delivering impressive detail and highlights in HDR material.

STANDARD DYNAMIC RANGE

To evaluate the projector's picture quality, common SDR test movies and scenes were used, such as Lawrence of Arabia. When bright SDR colors are viewed on many Tri-Laser projectors, they appear overly saturated and cartoonish. While the Pro2 can deliver an extremely wide color gamut, it did an excellent job of color mapping down to REC709 space utilized in SDR material.

The THEATER mode is considered the most accurate out of the box. The STANDARD mode looked good in a room with moderate ambient lighting because it produced slightly more saturated but pleasing colors. However, when using the THEATER and FILMMAKER MODE, I would suggest turning on the Enhanced Black Level setting. I also increased the Color setting to increase the vibrancy of bright colors.

While the average color temperature of the projectors most accurate picture modes measured about 6500K, their RGB balance was slightly greenish, which could be seen in measurements and with the naked eye. The SDR color reproduction was good, but I have reviewed a couple other projectors in the VisionMaster Pro2's price point that were more accurate.

VisionMaster projectors support active 3D in the following formats: Frame Packing, Side by Side, and Top and Bottom. It has been a while since I watched a 3D movie, so I grabbed a pair of active 3D Glasses and a couple of 3D Blu-ray discs. I connected the Pro2 to my Panasonic UB9000 4K Blu-ray player and watched a few animated and live-action scenes. The 3D effect was very good, and the projector delivered good onscreen brightness. I did notice a little flicker, but the eye comfort was good enough to watch two movies.

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

Valerion VisionMaster projectors support every type of HDR encoding currently available. The Pro 2 supports content encoded in Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, HDR10, and HLG. The VisionMaster Pro2 includes several preset HDR modes. The most accurate HDR10 modes are the FILMMAKER MODE and THEATER. The VisionMaster Pro will automatically switch into its FILMMAKER MODE or IMAX ENHANCED picture modes if the content has the flag embedded.

If desired, you have the option to disable this feature by turning the Content-Type Auto Detection setting off in the menu. When viewing HDR 10 content, you can also manually switch the projector into IMAX ENHANCED mode. While IMAX Enhanced isn’t widely available at Dolby Vision, a decent amount of movies are available on Disney+.

The VisionMaster Pro2 includes Dynamic HDR Tomemapping

The Pro2 includes three Dolby Vision presets DOLBY VISION DARK, DOLBY VISION BRIGHT, and DOLBY VISION CUSTOM. When viewing Dolby Vision in the dark, I chose DOLBY VISION DARK and enabled the Enhanced Black Level and Dark Detail Features. The DOLBY VISION LIGHT mode worked great to combat ambient light. When viewing Dolby Vision and HDR-10+, which contain dynamic metadata, the Pro2 did an excellent job utilizing the information to automatically adjust HDR tone mapping based on the movie/scene.

Due to the VisionMaster Pro2’s excellent HDR dynamic tone mapping, when viewing HDR10, there was no need to adjust when switching from extremely dark scenes in Blade Runner 2049 to super bright scenes in The Meg. I thought the HDR10 version of The Meg looked as good as the Dolby Vision version.

GAMING

While the VisionMaster Pro2 is not classified as a “gaming projector,” it delivers ultra-low lag and includes many features on premium gaming-focused projectors like the BenQ X3100i. The Pro2's low input lag of 14.7 ms at 4K@60 Hz, 8 ms at 1080@120 Hz, and 4 ms at 1080@240 Hz ensures responsive gaming performance. While I didn’t have a powerful computer to test 240fps gaming, the Pro 2’s rated input lag is impressive. When gaming content is detected, the ALLM feature automatically switches the Pro2’s low lag settings.

The projector specs make it an excellent option for those who like to play fast-paced games like first-person shooters. I played some fast-action games using my Xbox Series X. While I am not a hard gamer, the gameplay was responsive and smooth. The projector's outstanding HDR performance, including support for Dolby Vision and HDR 10+, enhances visual details in dark and bright areas, providing a competitive edge and a more realistic gaming experience.

Once you’re in the PC/GAME mode, you can utilize the Game Bar sub menu to adjust a wide range of game related features. For example the VisionMaster Pro2 features dedicated Game Genre modes designed to improve the gaming experience of different types of games. The gaming preset modes include RPG (Roleplaying Gaming), RTS (Real-Time Strategy), FPS (First Person Shooter), and Sports. These modes include picture adjustments to enhance the gaming experience and provide a gaming advantage.

The VisionMaster Pro2 also includes an FPS Crosshair feature that projects a targeting reticle onto the screen. This feature helps improve first-person shooters' accuracy should the game not provide a crosshair option. Lastly, the Night Vision feature helps you locate objects in dark gaming scenes. The VisionMaster Pro2 should appeal to serious gamers based on its specs and features. It combines incredibly low game lag and gaming picture modes with gaming-focused features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).

SOUND QUALITY

The VisionMaster Pro2 has a high-quality 2 X 10-watt sound system that features DTS Virtual X, designed to provide richer and more immersive audio. The projector’s sound system has enough power to fill a medium-sized room. The EF22 includes several sound modes: STANDARD, THEATER, SPORTS, MUSIC, SPEECH, LATE NIGHT, and INTELLIGENT SOUND.

The Pro2 even includes an Auto Acoustic Tuning feature where the projector plays a test tone and utilizes the mic built into the remote control to optimize the projector sound quality for your seating position. The Pro 2 did a good job reproducing dialogue, but I have reviewed Lifestyle projectors with better bass response. For those who crave better sound, there are a couple of ways to connect a high-quality external sound system.

The Pro2 includes an HDMI input that also supports eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), so it can send high-quality audio from its internal streaming services to an external audio system or soundbar. The Pro 2 also is WiSA-ready. Just plug an optional third-party WiSA transmitter into one of the projector's USB ports, and the projector can wirelessly transmit 7.1-channel high-resolution audio to a compatible set of WISA-equipped speakers.

We don’t measure fan noise, but Valerion states the noise level of the Pro2 is just 28 dB (Normal), which is very quiet. When watching content from about 6 feet away from the projector, the fan noise is barely noticeable.

SUMMARY

Over the past few years, several Projector manufacturers have entered the market and focused on the needs of those who usually aren’t considering projectors. The Vision Master Pro2 offers all the features and functionality of a lifestyle projector while delivering the picture quality, contrast, and black levels usually reserved for traditional Home Theater projectors.

It is evident that Valerion, as a new company, wanted to make a statement with the VisionMaster Pro2. The projector is one of the most feature-packed and advanced projectors I have reviewed. For example, it is the first projector I reviewed that supports Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, IMAX Enhanced, and includes Dynamic HDR tone mapping. The Pro2 is one of the brightest lifestyle projectors I have reviewed while also delivering the best black levels and the highest native contrast.

The VisionMaster Pro2 is a bright projector, but its black level and native excellent contrast truly separate it from the competition.

Considering it is one of Valerion’s first Projectors, it is impressive that the VisionMaster Pro2 delivered class-leading picture quality and its bug-free operating system. You can tell that Valerion utilized the latest video processing, Google operating system, and hardware to build the VisionMaster Pro2, which is why its performance is superior to most of the lifestyle projectors on the market today. For hard-core gamers, its input lag is an incredibly low 4 ms when playing HD content at 240 frames per second.

Spending $1000 to upgrade to the VisionMaster Max adds an optical lens shift and a dynamic iris. These features enhance installation, flexibility, visible contrast, and black level, but for many customers, the VisionMaster Pro2 will be all they need. While I evaluated an engineering sample, production models are starting to reach early Kickstarter participants, and they seem to perform as well as the preproduction samples.

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 competes with several high-end lifestyle projectors, including the BenQ X3100i, Hisense C2 Ultra, and XGIMI Horizon Max. Each of these projectors has unique strengths, making them suitable for different user needs, whether for gaming, home theater, or all-around entertainment.

BenQ X3100i

The BenQ X3100i is a gaming-focused projector with a 4LED light source and a high refresh rate of up to 240Hz at 1080p. It features dedicated game modes with an input lag as low as 4.2ms at 1080p/240Hz. The VisionMaster Pro2 offers a more versatile feature set for both home theater enthusiasts and gamers. Both projectors offer similar brightness.

However, the VisionMaster Pro2 has a triple-laser light source that can reproduce over 107% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut, whereas the X3100i is limited to 95% DCI-P3. I will note that the X3100i out-of-the-box color reproduction was better. The VisionMaster delievers deep blacks and highter native contrast.

The X3100i can playback HDR10 and HLG content, but VisionMaster Pro2 also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced. In addition, the VisionMaster Pro2 includes Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping. While HDR looks great on the X3100I, it looks better on the VisionMaster Pro 2. While the X3100i is a bundled Android TV dongle, Google TV is seamlessly integrated into the VisionMaster Pro2, making it more versatile for users who want both gaming and movie watching.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is another highly rated 4K lifestyle projector. It offers similar brightness, but the Horizon Ultra utilizes a hybrid TriLaser/LED. The Horizon Ultra and the VisionMaster Pro2 can reproduce more than 100% of the BT2020 color gamut. The Vision Master Pro2 is mush brighter but, the XGIMI delivers more accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction. Like the Pro2, the Horizon Ultra runs on Google TV. The Horizon Ultra supports Dolby Vision IMAX Enhanced and HDR10 but lacks HDR10+, which is present in the VisionMaster Pro2.

When it comes to gaming, the Pro2 supports higher refresh rates, offers lower input lag, and includes dedicated gaming modes, which makes it a better choice for serious gamers. While both projectors include features to simplify setup like autofocus, auto keystone correction, and object avoidance, the VisionMaster Pro2 includes an optical zoom lens.

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 and the XGIMI Horizon Ultra are both premium 4K laser projectors designed for home entertainment, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The VisionMaster Pro2 prioritizes high brightness, gaming performance, and cinematic picture quality, while the Horizon Ultra focuses on compact design, portability, and color accuracy.

Hisense C2 Ultra

Another projector that I am excited to review is the Hisense C2 Ultra, which should be a worthy challenger to the VisionMaster Pro2 for the title of “Best Lifestyle Projector”. Both projectors feature triple-laser light sources, which offer similar brightness and can deliver over 100% coverage of the BT.2020 color space. However, the VisionMaster Pro2 rated native contrast of 4.000:1 is twice that of the C2 Ultra.

They support all the popular HDR formats, including HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and they have IMAX Enhanced certification. When it comes to smart features and connectivity, both projectors offer access to popular streaming services and voice control, but the Vision Master MAX is built in a Google TV OS while the C2 Ultra is powered by an Hisense designed VIDAA OS.

The projectors include auto keystone correction, object avoidance, and a motorized lens with optical zoom, allowing for greater placement flexibility without reducing image resolution. Regarding gaming performance, the VisionMaster Pro 2 offers ultra-low input lag, but the Ultra C2 has the “Design for Xbox” certification.

Both projectors include a high-quality DTS Virtual X sound system, but the C2 Ultra has a subwoofer built-in in its gimbal base, so it should deliver a better bass response. The VisionMaster Pro2, however, features WiSA compatibility, allowing for a 7.1-channel wireless audio setup, which makes it a more flexible option for users who want to expand their home theater sound system. Feature and spec-wise, the Hisense C2 Ultra and Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 are nearly identical, so I look forward to having the opportunity to compare them side by side.

Purchase from Valerion.com

The VisionMaster Pro2 is a strong contender for the Editor's Choice Award for Lifestyle Projectors thanks to its feature set and outstanding picture quality, including the ability to effectively handle dark and bright HDR scenes.

Some new projectors have been introduced, such as the Hisense C2 Max, which could give it a run for its money, but right now, I rate the VisionMaster Pro2 as the best of class. Overall, the Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 offers a comprehensive package with a premium projector for those looking to enhance their home entertainment setup.

PROS

Triple-Laser Light can reproduce 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
Black level and shadow details are excellent for a DLP projector.
3000 IOS lumens of brightness
High-quality optics with motorized zoom and focus
Game Mode's low input lag of 15 ms at 4K@60Hz, 8 ms at 1080p@120Hz, and 4 ms at 1080p@240Hz
The 2 x 12 watt sound system delivers good sound quality
Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced encoded content
Dedicated 24 & 48 fps playback mode
Google TV provides access the thousands of apps
Excellent build quality with a primarily metal chassis.
Robust CMS (Color Management System) that allows the fine-tuning of the projected image.

CONS

Out of the box color reproduction could be better.
Shiny electroplated metal strips, which wrap around the chassis produce some distracting reflections.
Projector does not have the standard mounting points

Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 - SPECIFICATIONS

Full Specifications
Projector Model	VisionMaster Pro2
Price (MSRP)	$2999.00
Imager Type	DLP (0.47” DMD) w XPR
Displayed Resolution	3840 x 2160 pixels
Native Resolution	1920 x 1080 x 4 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	3000 ANSI lumens
Light Source Type	RGB Triple Laser
Contrast Ratio	4000:1 (Native) 15,000:1 (Dynamic)
Lens Throw Ratio	.09;1 to 1.5:1
Power Zoom/Focus	Yes
Lens Shift	No
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
HDTV/4K	Yes
3D	Yes (Active)
Speakers	Dual 12-watt DTS-X
Noise Level (-db)	28 dB
Low Lag Gaming	Yes (4ms at 1080@240Hz, 15ms at 4K@60Hz)
Smart Functionality	Google TV
Business	No
Classroom	No
Portable	No
Special Features	HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, Dynamic HDR Tonemapping
Networking	RJ45 Lan, WiFi 6
Dimensions (WxDxH)	10.2 x 7.3 x 8.5 inches (260 x 185 x 216 mm)
Weight	15.4 lbs. (7 Kg)
Warranty	1-year limited