One of the highlights to emerge from last week’s IFA 2025 show in Berlin was Valerion’s suitably-named VisionMaster Max laser projector. It features a number of innovations that enhance its brightness, contrast and black-level performance to achieve truly stunning big screen pictures.
For instance, Valerion says the VisionMaster Max is the first lifestyle projector in the world to support interchangeable lenses for greater installation flexibility. Meanwhile, the “unrivaled” black-level performance stems from its sexy-sounding NoirScene Dark Field Engine technology, which delivers “inky blacks and breathtaking dimensionality” that could easily be mistaken for an OLED display, if not for the obvious lack of an actual display.
Valerion explained that its innovative interchangeable lenses make it simple for users to adapt the projector for different spaces, be it a large theater, a mid-sized viewing room or a compact living room. Without a lens fitted, it boasts a native variable throw ratio of 0.9-2.0:1., while the optional auxiliary lens accessory extends this to 1.5-2.0:1, making it suitable for much bigger spaces. In both cases, its triple RGB laser light source will be able to throw up an enormous 300-inch image.
To make the VisionMaster Max even more versatile, there’s a patented bayonet mount that allows users to install compatible third-party lenses. The company also said it’s working on a short-throw lens, which it plans to sell separately later. Previously, this kind of setup flexibility has only been found on the highest-end professional projectors.
According to Valerion, the VisionMaster Max can achieve a peak brightness of 3,500 ISO lumens, up from just 3,000 on its predecessor the Valerion VisionMaster. There’s a native contrast ratio of 5,000:1, while its enhanced black level (EBL) contrast extends to 50,000:1.
The NoirScene Dark Field Engine technology makes use of a precision IRIS aperture, which is a fixed mechanical system that’s able to control exactly how much light passes through the lens to provide more brightness stability and simplify calibration, compared to a typical dynamic iris. The stainless steel blades have been coated with a heat-resistant black paint that helps to enhance both the native contrast – ensuring deeper blacks – and the colour accuracy in dark scenes while maintaining more consistent luminance.
In addition, NoirScene also employs a novel anti-rainbow effect technology called Anti-RBE, which works by blending individual colour sequences at rapid speeds to eliminate virtually all traces of red, green and blue flashes.
Not surprisingly, with so many novel new capabilities, the Valerion VisionMaster Max caught the eye of HDTVTest’s Vincent Teoh as he perused the exhibits on show at IFA. In his exclusive first look video, he explains the significance of the new innovations in more depth and why most projector lovers will be only too happy to part with a fat wad of cash to get their hands on one:
Other features of the Valerion VisionMaster Max include support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced content, Filmmaker mode and 24/48 frames-per-second operation. AI-powered scene optimization tech and Dynamic tone mapping are also on board, and it covers 110% of the Rec.2020 colour gamut. For gamers, it offers a low-latency mode of just four milliseconds. In addition, the VisionMaster Max is compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Control4 and Apple HomeKit for easy smart home integration. It’s powered by an MT9618 system-on-chip and comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space.
The integrated audio system sounds pretty capable too, made up of a pair of 12-watt speakers that support both DTS:X and Dolby Audio surround sound, but like with the optional lenses, there is an enticing extra for those who want better performance. The company also announced the new Valerion ThunderBeat 5.1.2 Wireless Surround Sound System, which is a separately sold, “True Dolby Atmos” setup that can be used to create a dome-shaped soundstage for more immersive, cinema-style audio.
Valerian said the VisionMaster Max is available for pre-order now with a price tag of $4,999 (around £4,349). It’ll ship to customers next month. As for the Valerion ThunderBeat 5.1.2-channel system, that’ll set you back an additional $1,299 (about £999), and later there will also be a smaller 4.1.2-channel version without the centre speaker, priced at $999 (approx. £749).
