Though I didn't put the VisionMaster Max through its paces for video-game testing (I’m not much of a gamer, unless you count Mario Kart battles on the Nintendo Switch), the projector's specifications are nonetheless impressive. It supports refresh rates up to 240 Hz at 1080p, with claimed input lag as low as 4 milliseconds (ms); for 4K, 60-Hz gaming, that input lag is rated at 15 ms. Two HDMI 2.1 inputs and auto low-latency mode further strengthen its gaming credentials, although it lacks a variable refresh rate (VRR) to dynamically smooth out delays.
Less impressive than its picture is its sound: The VisionMaster Max has two 12-watt speakers, and audio is clean, detailed, with effects neatly separated from dialog. But it still suffers from its box form factor. To be fair, with the exception of Anker’s removable satellite speaker designs like the Nebula X1, audio fails to keep up with image quality in many lifestyle projectors. I'd contend that at this price, an all-in-one projector should provide audio that matches the pixel-perfect picture. The Max’s speakers are fine, but push it beyond level 25 of 100, and it just sounds loud.
Thankfully, since the projector supports both DTS and Dolby Atmos, you can connect it to a decent 5.1/7.1 home theater audio system. You can also wirelessly link to a Bluetooth speaker, which makes for a clean living-room setup, although latency can be an issue. For reliable synchronization and true surround sound, HDMI eARC remains the better audio option.
Competition and Verdict
Photograph: Chris Haslam
Valerion is not without stiff competition, and that includes against itself. The Nebula X1 offers a similarly simple Google TV setup and 3,500-lumen brightness, with optional wireless surround sound making it better suited to casual living-room or outdoor use. The Leica Cine Play 1 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) combines superb optics with a more lifestyle-friendly design. Valerion’s cheaper VisionMaster Pro 2 ($2,999) retains key features, including Google TV, RGB triple-laser projection, optical zoom, and EBL, but it loses the Max’s iris and vertical lens shift. For casual movie nights, I’d be happy with this compromise that keeps extra money in my pocket.
While not necessarily casual, the Max is great and likely best suited for the viewer who wants to enjoy its capabilities. Its weight, extensive picture controls, and exceptional brightness encourage a proper screen, external sound, and careful setup, where its superb black levels and cinematic image can be fully exploited.
The brand seems to agree, as it's strongly encouraging customers to go all-in with its baffling array of deals. At the time of publication, you can opt to bundle the $3,999 Max with a choice of screens and four stands—including a tripod and ceiling mount—without paying any additional fee.
It may be overkill for occasional big-screen streaming, but as a compact projector at the heart of a home theater, I highly recommend it.
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