Valerion VisionMaster Max review: a 4K projector that challenges the home theater giants

More ambitious than the Pro 2, the Valerion VisionMaster Max is €2,000 more expensive at €4,999 and aims to compete with the BenQ W5800 and Sony VPL-XW5000, acclaimed by the specialist press. Combining cinematic fidelity and ease of use, does it have what it takes to become the benchmark for home theater projectors?

Presentation

As the flagship of the Chinese manufacturer, the Valerion VisionMaster Max stands out from the other models in the range thanks to its exclusive features: a motorized lens shift for easy installation, and a dynamic iris that optimizes black levels and contrast in real time, for finer management of HDR content.

Thanks to its triple RGB laser technology, the Valerion VisionMaster Max covers a wide color gamut (110% of Rec.2020) to guarantee near-professional calibration. Its brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens and dynamic contrast of 15,000:1 promise detailed, nuanced HDR images.

With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode, you can be sure that the result remains faithful to the artistic intentions of film and TV directors.

This projector incorporates a medium focal length lens, requiring a projection distance of between 2m and 3.3m to obtain a picture measuring 100″ (2.5m) diagonal. Installation is flexible thanks to its optical zoom (0.9 to 1.5:1) and motorized vertical lens shift, designed to adapt the image to different configurations without loss of sharpness or distortion. These adjustments make the projector easy to integrate into both a dedicated home theater room and a living room, where it can project a picture of up to 300″(7.6m) diagonal.

The audio component is based on two integrated 12 W drivers, compatible with Dolby Audio (stereo decoding, 5.1 and Atmos pass-through) and DTS:X, with DTS Virtual:X spatialization to broaden the sound field. The HDMI eARC port lets you enjoy Dolby Atmos on external audio systems such as soundbars or wireless home theaters. For their part, the S/PDIF and mini-jack outputs can be connected to older-generation stereo or home theater audio equipment.

In terms of connected functions, this WiFi projector is equipped with Google TV, offering direct access to major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube.

Also designed with gaming in mind, the VisionMaster Max supports 4K signals up to 144Hz, for display in 1080p, 120Hz or 240Hz 4K, with latency reduced to 4ms. It features special functions such as an ALLM mode, ultrawide 21:9 and 32:9 display, as well as assistance tools such as Crosshair and dark detail optimization. These features guarantee responsiveness tailored to competitive gaming, and therefore enhanced immersion for gamers.

Connectivity on this projector includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one HDMI 2.0 with eARC, one USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port, an RJ45 Ethernet connector, as well as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. This diversity ensures compatibility with the latest video sources and wireless devices.

Key specifications

• Triple RGB laser (110% of Rec.2020)
• 3,000 ISO lumens
• 1.5x optical zoom and motorized lens shift (vertical)
• Images up to 300″ (762cm) diagonal
• Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode and 3D
• 4ms input lag (240Hz 1080p) and 4K support up to 144Hz
• HDMI 2.1 and eARC
• Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

Included accessories

This projector comes in a superb, luxurious imitation-leather cubic case embossed with the brand logo. It also features the Red Dot Winner 2025 design logo and the slogan “VisionMaster Max – Hollywood Standard in Your Home”.

Inside, the projector is securely protected and accompanied by numerous accessories:

• A backlit remote control (requires two AAA batteries, not included)
• A power supply
• A 4K-8K HDMI cable
• A user manual
• A microfiber cloth

Test conditions

I tested this projector in the home theater room of the Son-Vidéo.com store in Nantes, equipped with a white projection screen (1.0 gain). To obtain a picture measuring 100″ (2.5m), I placed the projector about 3m from the screen. It was mounted on the Valerion DGS-01 bracket and placed on a stand about 1m high. I deliberately moved it to the side to test its ability to automatically adjust the image. The projector was connected to the Panasonic DMP-UB820 UHD Blu-ray player and a PlayStation 5, using an Audioquest Carbon 48 HDMI cable.

📝 Expert advice
For occasional use, such as projection onto a bedroom or living room wall, it's best to let the Valerion VisionMaster Max automatically adjust the image. This option is particularly suitable when the projector cannot be positioned directly in front of the projection surface. The vertical lens shift combined with the zoom, keystone correction and autofocus ensure perfect image geometry.   
On the other hand, in a permanent home theater installation, the placement of the projector must be carefully considered. This eliminates the need for keystone correction, which systematically reduces the resolution and sharpness of the image, even if it is hardly noticeable to the casual viewer.
If you're projecting onto a screen, once the projector has been properly aligned and centered, you can leave it to its own devices: thanks to its optical zoom and lens shift, it manages to frame the picture very precisely within the edges of the screen. 

My impressions

Design

The magic begins as soon as you unpack the projector! The imitation leather case immediately conveys a sense of luxury, an impression that is confirmed as soon as you lift the lid. Once the projector is removed from its case, its gleaming chrome and shiny black front panel evoke the trappings of a luxury automobile.

Carefully packaged, the brushed aluminum remote control and high-speed HDMI cable, protected in a leatherette case, come in a dedicated box. A gorgeous user manual completes the package.

Like the other models in the range, the Valerion VisionMaster Max features a large fold-out stand under its front panel, complemented by two height-adjustable rear feet. There’s also a screw thread on the underside of the chassis so it can be mounted on the manufacturer’s optional accessories: a swing table stand, a tripod and a ceiling mount.

Connectors

The Valerion VisionMaster Max’s connector system is identical to that of the manufacturer’s other projectors. It is built into the lower rear section of the chassis, hidden behind a pivoting cover, and includes, from left to right:

• 1 power connector
• 1 optical S/PDIF audio output
• 1 USB 3.0 multimedia port (high-speed compatible – 4K HDR)
• 1 USB 2.0 multimedia port
• 2 HDMI 2.1 ports
• 1 HDMI 2.0 port (eARC compatible)
• 1 mini-jack audio output
• 1 Ethernet port

Remote control

The VisionMaster Max comes with same two-tone black and silver remote control as the rest of the Valerion range. Very practical, the backlit keys are particularly easy to read in the dark. Unfortunately, only the buttons on the upper part (On/Off, voice assistant, menu, directional pad, home, back) benefit from the backlighting, but not those for volume control or shortcuts to streaming services.

As is often the case, the remote control operates by infrared when you first start it up. This means you have to point it at the front or rear of the device, and responsiveness isn’t great. Once the remote has been paired with the projector via Bluetooth, it is no longer necessary to do this, and control becomes much easier.

Easy to install

If you think a projector is complicated and time-consuming to set up, this Valerion model will change your mind! Once it was turned on, all I had to do was point the light beam at the screen, and the VisionMaster Max took care of the rest. In a matter of seconds, it was able to shift and straighten the image so it fit perfectly within the projection screen. Flawless!

Silent operation

One of the strengths of Valerion projectors is their extremely quiet operation, and the Max is no exception in this regard. The 28 dB claimed by the manufacturer is undoubtedly optimistic, but during testing, the fan noise was virtually unnoticeable and easily camouflaged by the soundtrack of the program being viewed. Even when using the lasers at full power, the Valerion did not generate any noticeable noise pollution.

Smart TV features

The Valerion VisionMaster Max connected projector features Google TV with Google Assistant, offering an easy-to-use interface and powerful voice control. Navigation is smooth and latency-free. The main streaming platforms are already installed, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, all of which are 4K compatible, as well as M6+ and TF1+. Full access to the Play Store also lets you download other apps and games.

Picture

With the Valerion VisionMaster Max, it’s clear from the outset that this projector is in a class of its own. Test patterns and sequences from the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark Blu-ray reveal image reproduction rarely achieved by DLP models. Accuracy is remarkable, but it’s mainly the contrast that impresses: blacks are of unprecedented depth, surpassing anything I’ve seen with models equipped with the same 0.47″ DMD chip, and even those with a 0.65″ DMD chip. This performance is largely due to the dynamic iris, which continuously optimizes intra-image contrast, and advanced calibration that ensures precise and balanced colorimetry.

The black-and-white scenes in Dune Part II reveal the perfectly controlled contrast in the most demanding shots. Highlights and lowlights are handled with a precision that preserves every last detail.

On Top Gun: Maverick, the reproduction of skin tones, vivid colors, and subtle textures in the costumes highlight the VisionMaster Max’s ability to combine intensity and naturalness. The aerial combat scenes are exceptionally clear, with a dynamic balance between brightness and softness. Smoothness is never compromised, even in fast-moving shots.

As with any DLP projector, however, rainbow effects occasionally appear. They remain relatively discreet on the VisionMaster Max, but viewers who are more sensitive to this phenomenon may notice them in certain high-contrast scenes.

In HDR, the projector impresses with its rich colors and balanced picture. Saturation remains controlled, without excess, and the rendering is faithful to the creators’ intentions. Even complex scenes combining strong areas of light and shadow are handled with precision, without any loss of detail.

My recommended picture settings (dark room)

3D compatible!

This Valerion home theater projector is compatible with 3D content in Side by Side, Top & Bottom and Blu-ray 3D formats, provided you use DLP Link glasses, sold separately. Tested with the Expand Edux 3 model, the results were convincing, offering a distinct foreground and sufficient depth to deliver punchy splash effects.

Gaming

Thanks to the ALLM function, the VisionMaster Max automatically switches to gaming mode when it detects a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X, maximizing smoothness and responsiveness.

On Gran Turismo 7, it offers a convincing driving experience in 120Hz Full HD, with the option of also playing in 60Hz 4K. Faster than the BenQ W5800 or Sony VPL-XW5000, the VisionMaster Max boasts a delay limited to 15ms in 60Hz 4K and 8ms in 120Hz 1080p, placing it among the highest-performing models in this field. For gamers demanding maximum responsiveness, a DLP turbo mode further reduces input lag to 4ms in 240Hz 1080p. However, this mode deactivates all image corrections, which means the projector needs to be perfectly aligned and at the right distance from the screen, otherwise you’ll end up with a distorted picture.

Sound

The Valerion VisionMaster Max incorporates a 2 x 12-watt stereo system that proves effective enough for occasional use, offering a suitably wide soundstage. Placed on a coffee table between the screen and the audience, the projector ensures consistency between the picture and the sound effects, enhancing the immersive experience. However, despite a pleasant presence in the upper bass range, the low frequencies lack the depth and energy to produce any real impact.

With rare exceptions, this is often the case with projectors equipped with an audio system. So, for a more intense, truly immersive 3D sound experience, I recommend adding at least a soundbar, or better still, a wireless home theater system.

Valerion VisionMaster Max compared to the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

I was already impressed by the VisionMaster Pro 2’s image precision, color balance, and versatility, be it for movies or gaming. With the VisionMaster Max, these qualities remain, but I also noticed real improvements.

Thanks to its dynamic iris and advanced calibration, it delivers unprecedented contrast for a DLP projector, with deeper blacks and much improved HDR management.

I also appreciated the addition of a motorized lens shift, which greatly facilitates installation and corrects one of the Pro 2’s shortcomings. For the rest, the two models remain very similar, whether in terms of brightness, smoothness or connected features.

Then there is the question of price: as spectacular as they are, do the improvements of the VisionMaster Max justify the 2,000 euro difference between the two models?

• See our Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 review

Valerion VisionMaster Max compared with the BenQ W5800

These two projectors have the same goal: to offer a high-end home theater experience for under €5,000. The BenQ impressed me with the sharpness of its glass lenses and its factory calibration, which guarantees exemplary color accuracy, even if its colorimetric space remains more restricted than that of the Valerion.

The latter has the edge when it comes to black depth and HDR, thanks to its dynamic iris and image management that optimize contrast and nuance very effectively.

On screen, the BenQ’s picture impresses with its surgical precision and accurate hues, while the Valerion projects a denser, more spectacular picture, with a contrast rarely achieved by DLP projectors.

If we consider only the image, the choice is between the precision of the BenQ and the visual impact of the Valerion. But the latter also stands out for its all-in-one approach, integrating Google TV, advanced gaming functions, an audio system and automatic settings – all of which is absent from the BenQ model, which is designed primarily for living rooms and dedicated home theater spaces.

• See our Benq W5800 review

Valerion VisionMaster Max compared to the Sony VPL-XW5000

Despite their similar price positioning, the Sony VPL-XW5000 and Valerion VisionMaster Max have two very different approaches to 4K projection.

The Sony model relies on a native 4K SXRD panel, without pixel shifting, which ensures precise, natural definition, with greater sharpness and finer detail. For complex textures, delicate patterns or sharp edges, the Sony’s advantage becomes noticeable. It also offers better native contrast, with deeper, more intense blacks.

In spite of this, with advanced calibration, the Valerion Max manages to compete closely, especially with well-controlled HDR content, offering a dense and appealing picture, even if it is slightly behind the Sony in terms of pure sharpness. However, it proves impressive for a projector with 4K DLP XPR emulation, thanks in particular to a contrast rarely achieved in this segment. That said, the Sony projector retains the upper hand in terms of black depth and gradation richness.

Nonetheless, the Valerion projector impresses with its spectacular rendering, with vivid colors and a highly dynamic picture. Designed as a multi-purpose model, it also boasts connected features and integrated audio playback, while delivering excellent gaming performance. The Sony, on the other hand, favors a more purist cinema approach, with a slightly less favorable input lag for competitive gaming use.

The choice will therefore depend on your priorities: native precision and deep black with the Sony VPL-XW5000, or visual impact and versatility with the Valerion VisionMaster Max.

• See our Sony VPL-XW5000 review

Who is the Valerion VisionMaster Max designed for?

The Valerion VisionMaster Max is aimed above all at discerning movie lovers looking for an elegant, easy-to-use projector whose design is as appealing as the picture it produces. They’ll enjoy high contrast, deep blacks and precise HDR management for a spectacular cinema experience. Gamers will also enjoy a reduced input lag and dedicated modes, while smart TV functions and an integrated audio system make this an immersive and versatile all-in-one solution.

Frequently asked questions about the Valerion VisionMaster Max