AWOL Vision is a Florida-based manufacturer founded in 2020, specializing in high-end 4K triple-laser Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors designed for home theatres. The company first garnered limelight when it launched the Valerion VisionMaster RGB Laser 4K Projector on Kickstarter in 2024. After an impressive crowdfunding run, the makers decided to put the projector to the test at IFA 2025, where it received equal praise from media outlets across the globe.
Roughly fifteen months after that initial Kickstarter success, AWOL Vision has introduced its latest lineup: the Aetherion Max and Aetherion Pro. These projectors were first revealed at CES 2026 and have since achieved remarkable traction on Kickstarter, surpassing $11 million in pledges within just two days of launch.
As aforementioned, the Aetherion series comprises two models, the flagship Aetherion Max and the more accessible Aetherion Pro, both designed to transform living rooms into cinema-scale theaters without requiring ceiling mounts or massive television screens. The ultra-short-throw projectors can deliver true 4K resolution on screens up to 200 inches while positioned mere inches from the wall, a feat made possible through AWOL’s proprietary PixelLock technology.
For those who are not familiar with AWOL’s proprietary PixelLock technology, Tom’s Guide explains, “It’s a pixel-alignment technology that aims to maintain 4K image quality on massive screens despite their larger size.” PixelLock represents three years of advanced research and development, combining optical, mechanical, and digital alignment systems to maintain razor-sharp clarity across extreme screen sizes.
“The technology compensates for lens element tolerances, temperature-induced expansion, micro-warping of ultra-short-throw angles, and DLP sequencing artifacts, problems that typically plague large-format projection. This ensures every pixel remains perfectly positioned and synchronized, delivering consistent edge-to-edge sharpness that rivals premium cinema installations,” the company states.
To be honest, that’s too much jargon for us to decipher. But in simpler terms, we can understand that the proprietary technology ensures 4K images stay remarkably natural and detailed on the biggest screens the Aetherion series supports. In addition to boasting high-level brightness, the projectors offer next-level gaming features, a 0.2:1 throw ratio, several HDR formats, and a max 200-inch screen size.
In terms of performance, the Aetherion Max outputs 3,300 ISO lumens while the Pro delivers 2,600 lumens, both offering enough brightness for daytime viewing potential. Other features include a 6,000:1 contrast ratio, dynamically enhanced to 60,000:1 through the Noirscene System II, which employs a 7-level iris to optimize shadow detail scene-by-scene. A multi-element sapphire glass lens with rare-earth coating further enhances light transmission while eliminating color fringing.
Also Read: Best Ultra Short-Throw 4K Projectors to Buy This Year
Both models stand out for gamers with industry-first Dolby Vision Gaming support, 1-millisecond input lag, Variable Refresh Rate (0.1Hz to 240Hz), and Auto Low Latency Mode. They also handle premium HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, HDR10+, and HLG. Powered by Google Android TV 14 on the MT9655 chipset, each includes 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, Wi-Fi 7, and three HDMI 2.1 ports. The design highlights AWOL’s RGB Pure triple-laser light source, achieving 110% of the Rec. 2020 color gamut for vibrant, lifelike colors.
Early backers can currently secure the Aetherion Max for $2,199 (a $2,300 discount from its $4,499 retail price) or the Pro for $1,999 (down from $3,499). The Kickstarter campaign continues through late March 2026, with shipments set to begin in April 2026. Those looking for cheaper alternatives can check Dongying, Aurzen, or Black Warrior.
Follow Homecrux on Google News!
