Our journey to discover Awol projectors continues and after the review of ultra short throw model Aetherion Maxlet’s try the Valerion VisionMaster Max today. A model that boasts a refined design, advanced technical features such as the high-brightness triple laser lighting source and compatibility with Dolby Vision. 4K projector, easy to install, capable of projecting an image of up to 300 inches and with the complete Google TV platform on board.
Let us therefore analyze in detail all the features of the Awol Valerion VisionMaster Max projector.
Design, connections and packaging
The Valerion Max presents itself with a decidedly elegant design. Let’s start with the black body with the sides and upper area in metal, embellished with thin chrome profiles. The front and rear, however, boast an elegant mirror finish. The front, in addition to the lens, also houses the sensors for autofocus and for automatic image adaptation which we will analyze later. Here there is also a sensor capable of reducing the brightness of the lasers if you get too close; the high brightness of the projector could, in fact, cause damage to your eyesight.
Let’s move on to the sides where we find large grilles, with integrated fans, dedicated to the silent cooling system (28dB).
The connections are complete, available on the back and protected by a cover. In addition to the power button we find the input for the external power supply (180 W), three HDMI (two in version 2.1 and one 2.0b with eArc), an optical digital output SPDIF, one USB-A 3.0, one USB-A 2.0, a headphone output for 3.5 mm jack, a Gigabit Ethernet port and the IR receiver for the remote control. Finally, let us remember the wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6E.
We continue with the upper side where we find the microphone, with its LEDs and deactivation command, for hands-free Google Assistant / Gemini functions, without using the remote control. There is no shortage of adjustable rear feet and a screw connection on the underside for stands, ceiling supports and tripods. Base which also houses a foldable front foot that allows the projector to be tilted.
Let’s not forget the generous dimensions of 260 x 185 x 234 mm, with a weight of 8.0 kg
We conclude with the truly elegant packaging. A box covered in black eco-leather, with visible white stitching, inside which we find the manual in Italian (the online version is also available), a cloth for cleaning the lens, the external power supply and the remote control.
Accessory, in plastic and metal, partially backlit and with controls for quick access to YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. There is also a button dedicated to the integrated microphone for accessing Google TV services.
Video and audio features
Let’s now analyze the video characteristics of the Valerion Max. On board we find a 0.47-inch 1080p DMD chip from Texas Instruments, with XPR pixel shifting which allows for 4K resolution. DLP projector with lighting source based on 3 RGB lasers, without color wheel and a brightness of 3,500 ISO Lumens.
We continue with the native contrast of approximately 5,000:1 and 110% coverage of the Rec.2020 color space. Valerion Max also boasts compatibility with Dolby Vision, Imax Enhanced, 3D video, at 24 fps and 48 fps, Dynamic Tone Mapping and there is no lack of support for HDR, HDR 10+ and HLG standards. Isf certified projector, also excellent for video games thanks to latency of up to 4 ms.
Let’s not forget the projection ratio of 0.9 – 1.5:1, with motorized optical zoom and recommended screen size, from 40 to 300 inches (from 6.8 meters away).
The Valerion Max also boasts a Dynamic Iris system: an advanced mechanical diaphragm, integrated into the optics, that automatically adjusts the light aperture to optimize contrast and black levels. We also remember the advanced NoirScene – Ebl (Enhanced Black Level) algorithm for improving the black level and contrast. Going into detail, the management of dark scenes is optimized in real time, allowing for sharper images, deeper blacks and more defined details. We continue with the anti-rainbow effect technology: a common visual problem in DLP projectors, perceived differently from viewer to viewer.
The Valerion Max is the first model in its category to integrate a patented system of interchangeable lenses with bayonet connection. Two options available: Long-Throw lens (increases the shooting distance by approximately 40%, at 799 euros) and anamorphic lens developed for cinema enthusiasts in native widescreen format (price not yet known).
The Valerion Max also uses advanced and comprehensive technologies that greatly simplify projector installation and configuration. Let’s start with the vertical optical lens shift of ±105% which allows you to position the image at the ideal viewing height. We then find other functions: autofocus, automatic and manual correction of image geometry, obstacle detection and automatic alignment when using dedicated screens.
We conclude with the MT9618 processor, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for Google TV apps which we will analyze later.
Once we have finished analyzing the video characteristics, let’s move on to the audio. Valerion Max houses two speakers of 12 Watt each, Dts/X compatible.
Google TV platform and settings
Valerion Max uses the complete Google TV operating system. It is an excellent platform based on Android, with an easy-to-use interface, which allows access to more than 10,000 apps of various kinds, starting from the most famous video streaming platforms such as Netflix, Dazn, YouTube, Prime Video, Now and Disney+.
On Google TV you can also use well-known applications such as Kodi and Vlc which allow the playback of audio and video files present on NAS and external memories connected via USB. Thanks to Android, it is also possible to install video games on the projector that can be controlled via remote control or Bluetooth joypad (to be purchased separately).
On board we also find a browser, an app for managing the hardware and software of the projector, the Gemini AI and Google Home for managing the devices in our smart home. We also mention compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa and Chromecast.
Let’s move on to the preset video modes: standard, sport, energy saving, cinema, film maker (to show films exactly as the directors intended them) and dynamic.
We continue with artificial intelligence which allows you to automatically manage video settings, improve the resolution and detail of the image. AI accessible via the dedicated button on the remote control.
Obviously, there is no shortage of very complete manual settings divided into various sections: management of the laser, color and sharpness, white balance and more.
The audio settings are also complete with equalizer and various preset modes: standard, theatre, sport, music, dialogue, night. There is also virtual surround (intelligent sound mode), also compatible with Dts Virtual Finally, we mention the compatibility with Wisa speakers for the wireless transmission of high definition audio.
Stands
Among the various accessories available, Awol sent us a useful metal stand, which can be purchased separately, which allows you to rotate the projector vertically, even towards the ceiling, and equipped with a 360-degree mobile base.
Video and audio performance
We conclude the review of the Vision Max with the analysis of its performance. Our overall opinion on this projector is decidedly positive. From Awol comes one of the most innovative and high-performance medium throw DLP video projectors on the high-end home cinema market. Let’s start with the excellent brightness: with 3,500 Iso Lumens, the image maintains a notable visual impact even in moderately lit rooms or on giant screens up to 300 inches. Projector that also boasts extremely natural colors and rich shades, contrast and record blacks for a DLP, with a high level of detail even in the darkest scenes. Very positive opinion not only for videos in 4K and Hdr/Dolby Vision, but also for those in Full HD and for video games. Positive evaluation also on image uniformity, factory setup, autofocus and other functions for smart screen adjustment.
Projector equipped with a complete and fast operating system, fully compatible with all the most popular streaming apps. Too bad for some small translation errors in the menus dedicated to the numerous settings available.
Let’s now deal with the integrated speakers. The performance of the simple audio system is quite good: powerful, with natural voices, defined highs, slightly closed mids and discreet bass.
Finally, the price of the Valerion Max that can be purchased on offer on the Awol website at 3,299 euros (list price of 4,399 euros). The stand can be purchased for 139 euros.
Awol Aetherion Max review: Excellent ultra-short throw laser projector up to 200 inches