Test Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2: all the emotion of cinema in your living room

The result of a successful crowdfunding campaign, the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 aims to transform your living room into a veritable cinema. A triple-laser 4K projector, a bright, high-contrast image, support for the most demanding HDR formats, advanced gaming functions… everything seems to come together to offer an unrivalled immersive experience. But in the face of established benchmarks like the Hisense C2 Ultra and Leica Cine Play One, does this newcomer have what it takes to establish itself as a must-have choice?

Introducing Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is a projector 4K UHD based on DLP technology with a 0.47″ DMD chip and triple RGB laser light source. Its brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens promises vivid images and high contrast. Its colorimetric coverage reaches 110% of Rec. 2020, with ISF-certified professional calibration guaranteeing accurate colors right out of the box. Compatible with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode, it aims to offer a faithful, immersive rendering of cinematic content.

In terms of sound, this projector features two drivers powered by 2 x 12-watt amplification. They support Dolby Audio and DTS:X formats, and use DTS Virtual:X technology to spatialize the sound. For gamers, the Valerion projector offers low input lag of 4 ms at 1080p/240Hz, as well as specific gaming modes including a crosshair and enhanced night vision, guaranteeing a smooth, responsive experience on the big screen.

This projector also integrates Google TV, with native access to the main 4K streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+. Navigation is smooth, and voice control via Google Assistant makes it easy to use. It’s also AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Miracast compatible for easy wireless content sharing.

Installation is simplified by its optical zoom, automatic keystone correction and autofocus, ensuring fast, precise set-up even in tight spaces.

Finally, the projector features a wide range of connectors, with two HDMI 2.1 inputs, an eARC-compatible HDMI 2.0 port, two USB ports, an optical S/PDIF output, a mini-jack audio port and an Ethernet port, as well as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, guaranteeing extensive compatibility with all modern devices. All in a robust, attractive device designed to blend elegantly into any living room.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2: Key specifications

Included accessories

The projector Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 has been carefully packaged in a carrying case housed in a magnificent full-color printed cardboard box. Made from ultra-light rigid foam, this case is designed to effectively protect the projector and its accessories. These include an AC power supply, a remote control with batteries, a quick-start guide and a microfiber cleaning cloth.

How I tested the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

The first projection test was done on a white wall in ambient light conditions. After that, I set up the device in a dark home theater room equipped with a white projection screen (gain 1.0). To obtain a 100″ (2.5m) image, I placed the projector about 3m from the screen.

Getting to grips with the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 in all these different contexts was quick and easy. Whether placed on a piece of furniture, a table or on a photo/video stand, all you have to do is switch it on and point it at the projection surface: the device automatically adjusts the image. Thanks to its optical zoom, the projector adjusts the image size in the event of obstacles (such as a frame on the wall), corrects geometry (keystone) and focuses, all fully automatically.

This Valerion projector is also capable of precisely positioning the image within the edges of the projection screen. All these automatic settings can be deactivated to allow manual configuration if required.

My expert advice

For occasional use, for example when projecting onto a bedroom or living room wall, I recommend letting the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 automatically manage image settings. This approach is particularly suitable if you can’t position it perfectly in front of the projection surface: the device handles this type of set-up efficiently, with reliable geometric correction and autofocus. Depending on the situation, projector is sometimes a little slow to correct the image, but rarely lets itself be caught out. Its only failure came when projecting onto a white surface with a slight drop-out: the projector did not detect this and did not reduce the image size to avoid this relief on the wall.

For a permanent home theater installation, it’s best to pay particular attention to the placement of the projector. This way, you won’t need to use the keystone correction, which systematically leads to a loss of image definition.

If you’re projecting onto a screen, I’d also advise you to adjust the image manually, in order to obtain more precise framing than in automatic mode. The latter can be a little inaccurate, especially with screens that have white frames, when there’s no extra drop above the projection area. During our test, the projector perceived the white frame as an extension of the screen!

My impressions of the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

Design: guaranteed wow factor!

From the moment I unpacked the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2, I was hooked! The first pleasant surprise was that opening the box revealed a real carrying case, like the Hisense M2 Pro recently presented by Hisense. Everything inside is well-protected, so it can be safely transported to a friend’s house for an impromptu movie night.

The second pleasant surprise is that the projector benefits from remarkable build quality. From the moment you pick it up, you can feel that you’re dealing with a serious, carefully crafted product.

Aesthetically, I’m not particularly a fan of the “radiator” design with its chrome strips, nor of the glossy front panel (please don’t bash me for this in the comments 😅), but I have to admit that this Valerion projector has the potential to be a real crowd-pleaser. The front panel also attracts fingerprints (hence the microfiber cloth).

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 features a large fold-out foot under its front panel, allowing it to be tilted to adjust the height of the projected image. It also features a screw thread on the underside of the chassis, enabling it to be mounted on one of three optional accessories marketed by the manufacturer: a swing table stand, a floor tripod and a ceiling mount.

Thanks to the screw thread on the underside of the chassis, the Valerion projector can be mounted on one of the manufacturer’s accessories, or on a tripod-type stand.

Extensive connectivity

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2’s connectivity is fully housed at the rear of the chassis, at the bottom, behind a pivoting flap. Very complete, it includes, from left to right :

• 1 power connector
• 1 optical S/PDIF audio output
• 1 USB 3.0 port
• 1 USB 2.0 port
• 2 HDMI 2.1 ports
• 1 HDMI 2.0 port (eARC compatible)
• 1 mini-jack audio output
• 1 Ethernet port

Backlit, responsive remote control!

The projector’s remote control is an aesthetic success with its two-tone black and silver chassis. The backlighting is very practical and stands out particularly well when the room is dark. It’s just a pity that not all the buttons are backlit!

When turning the projector on for the first time, the remote control operates by infrared, so you have to point it at the front or back of the projector for commands to be taken into account, with perfectible responsiveness. Fortunately, once the remote control has been paired with the projector via Bluetooth, you no longer have to aim it at the device, and control becomes much easier.

Silent operation

One of the many advantages of this projector is that its operation is extremely quiet. Barely perceptible during this test, fan noise was easily covered by the soundtrack of a movie or video game. Even with the laser lamps at full power, I wasn’t bothered by the Valerion’s operating noise.

Google TV and 4K streaming

This latest-generation projector integrates Google TV with Google Assistant, benefiting from a user-friendly interface and effective voice control. Apps from the major streaming services are pre-installed, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, with 4K support, as well as M6+ and TF1+ apps. Of course, it’s possible to access all the apps and games offered by the Play Store.

Navigation is smooth and without latency.

Can the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 project in daylight?

The answer is yes, provided that (as with any projector) you accept certain compromises on contrast and color intensity. Even so, the 3,000 lumens claimed by the manufacturer allow you to enjoy a sporting event without making the living room completely dark. Which makes it easier to find your chips and drinks on the coffee table!

For films and series, I strongly recommend projecting in a dark room. This is the best way to get the best contrast and realistic colors.

What image quality does the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 offer?

Thanks to the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark Blu-ray test patterns and content, we can immediately see that this projector is well-made. On 4K HDR content, the image is razor-sharp and very satisfyingly accurate, without reaching the extreme precision of the Leica Cine Play One, with its incomparably sharp glass lens.

The tones seemed accurate and natural, and I found the very satisfactory contrast to be superior to the Hisense C2 Ultra and the Leica Cine Play One.

However, I did notice the occasional rainbow effects, perceptible on certain high-contrast or fast-moving sequences. Nothing to worry about for most users, but those more sensitive to this DLP technology phenomenon could be affected.

Equipped with highly effective Dynamic Tone Mapping, this projector also manages to offer a great deal of detail in both highlights and lowlights on HDR content.

My positive impressions are confirmed by the 4K HDR Blu-ray releases of Top Gun: Maverick, Ford v Ferrari and Dune: Part II. Like me, home theater enthusiasts will appreciate the cinematic rendering of the image, with rich, very natural colors, and above all, a certain softness, comparable to that of Formovie Theater Premium.

On The Last Samurai streamed in Full HD SDR on Prime Video, the Valerion also does very well. The colors are intense, and the contrast gives the image depth.

My recommended SDR image settings

My recommended HDR image settings

A 3D-compatible projector!

This Valerion projector supports 3D (Side by Side, Top & Bottom and 3D Blu-ray), requiring 3D glasses with DLP Link technology (sold separately). With the Expand Edux 3 glasses, the picture proved very satisfactory, with a foreground that stood out well, offering nice depth in multiple scenes from Avatar (briefing upon arrival on Pandora, discovery of the laboratories, exploration scenes in the jungle). During the action scenes, the splash effects were highly effective: expect to jump out of your seat when the Thanator attacks!

Is the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 the ultimate projector gaming device?

ALLM-compatible, the projector automatically switches to gaming mode as soon as it detects a PlayStation 5 or Xbox S/X Series, to optimize fluidity and responsiveness. On Gran Turismo 7, in Full HD 120Hz (you can also play in 4K 60Hz), the Valerion was smooth and responsive, offering a very good driving experience.

Faster than the Leica Cine Play 1 or Hisense C2 Ultra, the Vision Master Pro 2 has an input lag of just 15ms in 4K 60Hz and 8ms in 1080p 120Hz, making it one of the best-performing projectors in this field.

If responsiveness is a priority for you, it also features a DLP turbo mode, which reduces input lag to 4ms at 1080p 240Hz! However, as with all projectors offering this option, it deactivates all image corrections, which means that you need to carefully position the projector in front of and at the right distance from the screen, otherwise the image will be distorted!

Wide sound, but shy bass

The Valerion’s 2 x 12 watt stereo system is sufficient for occasional use, offering satisfactory stereo width. By placing the projector on a coffee table in front of you, the sound effects follow the on-screen events well, enhancing immersion.

It’s a shame that the bass was too timid to really carry us away. In this respect, the Hisense C2 does better, even though it’s cheaper and has no subwoofer!

As always with projection, the ideal solution is to install a soundbar or home theater system to enjoy a true 360° sound bubble. We can’t stress this enough: sound is just as important as a large image for a truly immersive experience.

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 vs Hisense C2 Ultra

The Valerion stands out for its premium aesthetics and carrying case, while the Hisense is distinguished by its swing stand. Both projectors use DLP triple laser RGB technology and offer 3,000 lumens of brightness, but the Valerion boasts better contrast and more natural colors, with a more cinema-like image.

The Hisense stands out for its brighter colors and more impactful sound, thanks to better bass. Both offer efficient automatic settings and Smart TV functions, for simplified installation and intuitive family use. As for gaming, the Valerion takes the lead with a better input lag, ideal for discerning gamers.

• See the Hisense C2 Ultra review

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 vs Leica Cine Play 1

The Valerion and Leica share triple-laser technology and a brightness of 3,000 lumens, but the Valerion boasts richer colors (110% of BT.2020 vs. 100% for the Leica). The latter stands out for its aspherical glass lens, offering superior image sharpness, while the Valerion offers better contrast and finer HDR management. As for audio, the Valerion is slightly more powerful, but both require an external solution for optimum immersion. Finally, only the Leica comes with a swing stand as standard, while the Valerion offers it as an option.

• See the Leica Cine Play 1 review

Who is the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 designed for?

The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is aimed at all home cinema enthusiasts for whom image quality is the primary requirement. It’s just as well suited to those looking for a simple, flexible installation as it is to more advanced users ready to optimize their home theater. Thanks to its triple laser RGB technology, full support for HDR formats and advanced gaming functions, it will appeal to both film buffs and gamers in search of immersion and high-end visual performance.

Test Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 – FAQ