In recent years, the projector market has witnessed a thrilling influx of new entrants, each vying for a spot in a competitive landscape. The latest contender to emerge is Valerion, a sub-brand of AWOL Vision, which is clearly aiming for the high-end segment with its debut productthe VisionMaster Pro 2. After spending some time testing this projector, I found it excels in several key areas, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts and gamers alike.

The VisionMaster Pro 2 boasts a remarkable brightness, reaching up to 3,000 lumens, which positions it among the brightest Google TV projectors available on the market. It is equipped with a sophisticated three-laser light source and supports advanced features such as Dolby Vision. Additionally, it offers impressive built-in sound capabilities and a low input lag of just 4ms at a 1080p resolution, making it an excellent option for gaming consoles.

Currently, the VisionMaster Pro 2 retails for a steep price of $2,999 on Amazon, a significant investment compared to many of its competitors. For instance, XGIMI's Horizon S Max debuted at $1,609, while Dangbei's Mars Pro 2 is available for $1,399. Even XGIMI's ultra short throw Aura 2 comes in at a more affordable $2,294, presenting an intriguing price disparity.

What sets the VisionMaster Pro 2 apart from others is its unrivaled brightness. In addition to performance, the design of the projector is strikingly bold. Valerion has opted for a distinctive green hue complemented by chrome inserts, giving the projector a commanding presence that is sure to catch the eye of consumers.

This projector is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing one Ive encountered so far. While design is often a secondary consideration in projector selection, the meticulous attention to detail Valerion has applied here is noteworthy. The built-in stand at the bottom allows for easy inclination adjustments, enhancing user experience. Although it lacks a gimbal mechanism similar to that of the Horizon S Max or JMGO's projectors, setting up the VisionMaster Pro 2 is straightforward and user-friendly.

The rear of the projector is equipped with a variety of ports, all cleverly concealed behind a cover. Users will find two HDMI 2.1 ports, an eARC port, an optical out, dual USB-A connectors, and an Ethernet port. The clean aesthetic continues at the front, where the lens is positioned on the right side while the Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensor, utilized for keystone configuration, is found on the left.

On the topic of keystone correction, the VisionMaster Pro 2 excels, quickly adjusting image orientation within mere seconds. Autofocus capabilities are seamless, and its object avoidance features are standard in todays smart projectors. Whether you prefer to place it on a stand or mount it to the ceiling, the flexibility in installation ensures a variety of setup options.

This projector offers a throw ratio of 0.9 to 1.5:1, capable of producing an impressive image size of up to 300 inches. However, for practical use, most setups will typically involve a 100-inch projection, which requires positioning the unit approximately 12 feet away. In my experience, this is how I set it up, and it performed exceptionally well.

The VisionMaster Pro 2 supports formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced, along with motion smoothing features. It also provides several customizable image modes, allowing users to tailor settings to their preferences. An interesting feature is its gaming mode, which reduces latency to a mere 4ms at 1080p resolution and 240Hz, enhancing the gaming experience significantly. For those looking to game in 4K, the latency remains reasonable at 15ms. Users will appreciate the Google TV interface, which offers no restrictions on streaming services; Netflix comes pre-installed, and other apps can be easily downloaded via the Play Store.

Powered by MediaTek's MT9618 chipset, the projector features 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This generous memory allocation ensures a smooth operating experience; I encountered no lag during regular use, a common issue with built-in interfaces on many competing projectors. Even when streaming HDR content, the VisionMaster Pro 2 handled the load effortlessly.

The built-in sound system, featuring dual 12W drivers, offers decent audio quality; however, for an optimal viewing experience, I recommend pairing it with an external audio system to fully appreciate the visual quality on display. The bundled remote control is also noteworthy, showcasing a retro design. While it may be slightly larger than usual, it includes all essential buttons (including mute) and features backlit keys for convenience.

When it comes to image quality, the VisionMaster Pro 2 shines brightly. Thanks to its laser light source, it delivers vivid images with outstanding color accuracy. Even in environments with significant ambient light, the picture quality remained superior to that of the Horizon S Max, Mars Pro 2, and nearly every other projector I tested.

The Filmmaker mode provides precise color reproduction, and I highly recommend using it for a true cinematic experience. Users can easily adjust color settings and fine-tune image quality to suit their preferences, resulting in a faultless visual output. This is always a concern with new entrants to the market, but Valerion has proven that it can competeand even surpassestablished brands.

Ultimately, the VisionMaster Pro 2's standout features are its superior color performance, brightness, and user interface speed, solidifying its position as a formidable player in the projector market.