Valerion’s Master Pro 2 vision has been the subject of a brilliant Kickstarter campaign (alongside the Master Plus 2 vision and vision Master Pro Max), the manufacturer having raised no less than $ 10 million, making it the most funded tech project of 2024 on this platform, just that. The manufacturer simply wanted to make the best video projector of the moment with strong brightness, a Dolby Vision and HDR10+compatibility, a worked design, an integrated foot, a 4K image at 144 Hz, and above all an unequaled contrast. It was long to test this video projector which promises to be very solid on paper in order to confront it with our test bench.
The Master Pro 2 inherits the technical base of the excellent Hisense C2 Ultra while adding specificities that make it unique. It is therefore based on a triple laser trichroma light source, a guarantee of a extended colorimetry and strong light, but it is mainly distinguished by the integration of a unique Mediatek MT9618 processor for the moment on the market, a monster that will have an impact, we will see through the test.
This 4K ultra HD video projector (3840 x 2160 pixels) uses Wobulation technology with a 0.47 inch DLP chip from Texas Instruments to effectively simulate a 4K image, a chip found on most video projectors of the genre.
If the Kickstarter price was obviously more favorable, the Valerion Vision Master Pro 2 is marketed around 3000 €, which places it in direct competition with the Hisense C2 ultra of course, but also with models with ultra short focal lengths such as formo Theater Premium. A premium rate precisely, for a product that intends to offer a very high -end service.
Image qualityStriking contrasts
The Master Pro 2 vision allows you to display diagonals between 40 and 300 inches, enough to install it in fairly varied configurations, especially since it offers a very practical optical zoom. The Lens Shift – which allows you to move the image without having to reframe it – is however a functionality reserved for the Master Pro Max vision. Its projection ratio therefore extends from 0.9 to 1.5: 1, which allows it to be placed more or less far from its projection surface.
For an image of 100 ”for example, it can be placed between 200 and 332 cm from the screen, for 200”, between 398 and 664 cm. We carried out the test with an image of 2 m basic (about 90 inches of diagonal) as usual, and placed the video projector 1.70 m from our canvas.
The projector offers several default image modes, but it is the filmmaker mode which is best calibrated, although everything is imperfect as on most video projectors. The image projected by the Master Pro 2 vision is indeed very bright, but it lacks precision. Fortunately, a complete adjustment system will allow the colors to be adjusted to the small onions if necessary, but it will be necessary to have the adequate equipment or call on a professional calibrator.
The average color temperature measured at 7350 k reveals a fairly cold image on our white canvas. It is not dramatic, but a manual calibration would make it possible to reach the 6,500 k of reference. In film mode, the Delta E in SDR is 6.9, a result clearly higher than the limit of 3, translating colorimetry differences visible to the naked eye, especially in hot tones and whites. These values are higher than the Hisense C2 Ultra which climbed only to a 4.4 delta e.
The gamma measured at 2.2, however, remains very close to the ideal curve (2,2), which ensures good reproduction of gray levels and a beautiful overall stability of the image, so it’s simply perfect on this side.
EBL technology at the service of contrast
If the vision master pro 2 has caused a stir, it is especially because of its EBL (Enhanced Black Level), a feature that allows you to adjust the brightness of the video projector in real time to improve the displayed contrasts. This unprecedented technology on a DLP video projector of this format is effective, it must be admitted, but quite difficult to measure objectively given its dynamic appearance (it adapts to each scene on the screen).
With a sequential contrast rate measured at 3540: 1, the Master vision far exceeds most of the DLP models which often struggle to exceed 1500: 1 and it even comes to ahead of the ultra short focal models of our comparison such as Cinema Edge and Theater Premium. Its native contrast is that said lower when you deactivate the EBL, and it falls closer to the 1500: 1. The comparative photos below clearly show the difference once this function is activated, even if you have to pay attention, the photos are never a perfect representation of what can be observed with the naked eye. (the files are raw, taken with the same settings, and without touch -ups).
In fact, once the EBL is activated, the contrast appears even much higher, and it contributes to giving an unequaled depth to the dark scenes, in any case on transportable and “accessible” video projectors (as opposed to the more pro models like the Sony VPL/ Sony Bravia, or certain JVC). This causes it that says a certain derivative of colors, but the gain for the perception of blacks is such that we can only recommend activating it.
We will also note the presence of a MEMC (motion Estimation Motion Compensation) engine, which fluidifies the movements in all the scenes. The latter can be set or disabled according to preferences, to avoid the “Soap Opera” effect which is quite disturbing in the films, but this fluidity can be interesting by watching sport for example. By the way, this model supports 3D.
HDR
The Vision Master Pro 2 supports HDR10, HLG and HDR10+, Dolby Vision and even Imax Enhanced formats, in short, all the formats of the moment. During our test, the EOTF curve was shown slightly above the reference curve in the dark scenes. The projector also takes advantage of a dynamic tone mapping (mapping of dynamic tones) to adjust the brightness of each image and obtain a most faithful rendering as possible.
On the left, the EOTF curve in HDR10, window of 10 %; Right, the HDR luminance curve, 10 %window.
The light peak reaches 257 CD/m², which places the master vision at the top of our comparison today. It does better than the formo Theater (150 CD/m²), the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 (190 CD/m²), and is equal to the Hisense C2 Ultra (266 CD/M², which is logical since they share a common technical base), making the HDR scenes particularly dynamic, with striking light effects.
On the colorimetry side, the Delta E in HDR reaches 7.5, a score again quite average. The colors lack loyalty, but the coverage of colorimetric spaces is excellent with 93.2 % of Rec. 2020, 99.3 % of DCI-P3 and 100 % of rec. 709.
Construction & ErgonomieHe doesn’t miss anything
Like most 4K trilaser video projectors of the moment, the Vision Master Pro 2 displays a cubic design, which reminds us of the C2 of Hisense, the Pro Horizon S of Xgimi or the Dangbei Mars Pro. Valerion has that said opted for an original design and particularly neat with brilliant aluminum lines that have their effect.
The design is unique and worked.
The video projector weighs 7.5 kg, enough to move it fairly easily if necessary. Valerion also provides a polystyrene transport bag which is very practical, if not really design.
One foot on a hinge is present under the video projector to adjust its tilt angle, as well as two small feet adjustable in height, but the demanding users will opt for the optional swinging foot, which greatly improves installation flexibility (at the cost of a larger size).
The central foot and the two rear feet are adjustable.
The optional swing is very practical.
The connection is very well provided: two HDMI 2.1 ports (including an EARC), an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports, including a 3.0 and a 2.0, an optical audio output, a jack, an Ethernet port and the Bluetooth 5.2. We also appreciate the Wi-Fi 6th compatibility and the possibility of connecting wireless devices.
The connection is very complete.
By closing the little hatch.
On the interface side, Google TV does here wonders, notably thanks to the Mediatek MT9618 processor which makes the interface more fluid than ever. A quick menu is present to access the different settings of the video projector and everything is very well thought out. Netflix, Video, YouTube, Disney+, Arte, Canal+, all the most popular applications are obviously available and functional in native.
The quick setting menu is effective.
Google TV and its many applications.
The development and correction of the trapeze are of course automatic, although they can be refined manually if necessary. The projector thus adjusts the image as soon as it is moved, and you will not be forced to place it perfectly in front of the projection surface. The optical zoom also facilitates the adjustment without loss of quality, but the absence of Lens Shift will be able to hinder users in certain configurations. The latter is quite rare on the market for the moment, although some high -end models benefit.
The correction of the automatic trapeze is slow, but effective.
The remote control, finally, is again particularly neat. It incorporates backlit keys (although not all of them are) and a microphone for voice control via Google Assistant. Ergonomics are intuitive and allows you to sail quickly between menus, settings and different image sources.
The remote control is made of metal and backlit!
Excellent for gamers
The vision master pro 2 is not only intended for cinema. It also offers very good video game performances thanks to a refreshment of the screen which can reach 144 Hz in 4K! An element again rare on projector, and this ensures very good fluidity in compatible games. You can also reach 240 Hz by sacrificing the definition that goes to 1080p.
There is even a game bar for players.
Otherwise we measured an input lag at 17.6 ms, which is enough for almost all the games, even the most competitive. Please note, however, the turbo DLP mode will have to be activated in the projector menus, in order to deactivate any trapeze correction. This is the best result of our comparison when writing this test, and there will therefore be only a delay image between the moment when we carry out an action at the controller and its repercussion on the screen.
A silent model
In operation, the Master Pro 2 vision emits a measured noise at 33.1 dB one meter from a distance. This sound level is noticeable, but very light and not really annoying in conventional use. In a silent room, you can hear the breath of the fan, but it should be masked by the sound of the film or the current series.
