This Ultra-Short-Throw Projector Can Produce a Crisp, 200-Inch Image

AWOL Vision doesn’t see any reason why convenience has to come at a cost.

The company’s new line of ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors, the Aetherion Series, aims to deliver a crystal-clear image without sacrifice. The devices, which raised over US$18 million on Kickstarter earlier this year, were engineered to deliver a precise, uniform image regardless of screen size.

Like other UST projectors, the Aetherion Series is aimed at those of us who want a giant TV but don’t want it to overwhelm whatever room it’s in. The new line-up includes two models, the Pro and Max, both of which have a 0.2:1 throw ratio. That means the device can produce a 100-inch image from less than a half foot away from a projector screen or blank wall, and a 200-inch image from less than two feet. And then, when you’re done watching the big game, your weekly office cooler show, or that movie you’ve been meaning to see, you simply pack up the device and stow it away.

Up until now, the convenience of a UST projector meant having to make some image quality sacrifices. AWOL Vision, which is based in Florida, spent three years ensuring this would not be the case with the Aetherion Series. Each model features a 4K triple-laser light source with the company’s PixelLock technology. This is an optical system designed to preserve picture sharpness even at an extreme scale. The image is also bright (the Pro produces 2,600 ISO lumens, the Max 3,300 ISO lumens), has a 6,000:1 native contrast ratio so that blacks are rich and true, something which will help the other colors in the image pop, and suffer minimal latency. The top-of-the-line Max model is also so powerful that it can be used outdoors.

Other features of the Aetherion Series include support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and IMAX Enhanced content. The devices also feature WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity so that you can easily pair them with a surround sound system.

AWOL Nation is selling the Aetherion Pro for US$3,499 and the Max for US$4,499.  The company is offering a US$150 Early Access discount to anyone who reserves one of the new projectors by Wednesday, May 6.

This story was originally published on Robb Report USA.