Katarzyna Petru
Among the huge televisions showcased at CES 2026, it is easy to forget that achieving a truly large image in the living room does not necessarily require a massive LCD or OLED screen. Projectors remain an alternative – increasingly smaller, brighter, and more technologically advanced. This year's fair highlighted new models from Xgimi and AWOL Vision, which target the premium segment of ultra short throw projectors.
Xgimi Titan Noir Max – cinematic ambitions
Xgimi has presented a new model, the Titan Noir Max, described by the manufacturer as the most "cinematic and accessible" pro-class projector in its lineup. The Chinese brand, which began with simple portable projectors, has clearly shifted towards the high-end segment in recent years. In 2025, models such as the Titan and Horizon 20 Max debuted, and the new model is intended to fill the gap between them.
The Titan Noir Max is a 4K projector equipped with the most advanced dynamic IRIS aperture system in Xgimi's history. The manufacturer claims a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and new optics designed to provide better control of lights and shadows, as well as more precise color reproduction. However, Xgimi did not provide information about brightness or gaming capabilities, which is a significant omission in this class of equipment. It is known, however, that the model will be priced between the Titan (around £3,499) and the Horizon 20 Max (around £2,599).
This means direct competition, among others, with the Leica Cine Play 1 Plus, which offers 3,500 CVIA lumens, 110% coverage of BT.2020, and costs around £2,950, as well as the JMGO O2S Ultra with a brightness of 3,600 ISO lumens, a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, and a price around £2,799.
ChooseTV Vision enters the elite of UST projectors
Even more interesting is the debut of ChooseTV Vision, a company known mainly as the owner of the Valerion brand. At CES 2026, the manufacturer presented two new ultra short throw projectors – Aetherion Max and Aetherion Pro – which are said to be the world's first models capable of displaying a 200-inch 4K image. Both projectors offer a latency of under 1 ms, making them particularly attractive for gamers. The difference between the models mainly comes down to brightness:
Aetherion Max – 2,600 ISO lumens
Aetherion Pro – 3,000 ISO lumens
The other parameters are identical: native contrast of 6,000:1, refresh rate up to 240 Hz, support for VRR and ALLM, and a new PixelLock system.
PixelLock – uncompromising sharpness technology
PixelLock is a proprietary technology of AWOL Vision, designed to eliminate common problems with UST projectors, such as pixel drift and color separation. The system combines optical, digital, and mechanical elements, compensating for lens tolerances, thermal expansion, and DLP sequencing artifacts.
Projectors use sapphire glass lenses, rare earth element coatings that reduce chromatic aberration to almost zero, special optical film, and a motorized lens cover that protects against dust. Also included is the MT9655 chipset with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of memory, a seven-stage IRIS system, and a claimed dynamic contrast of up to 60,000:1.
Prices and Competition
AWOL Vision has not yet revealed prices in the UK, but in the USA, the Aetherion Max and Pro are expected to cost $3,499 and $4,499, respectively, which translates to about £2,581 and £3,320. Sales will begin with a Kickstarter campaign, with early bird offers planned for March.
The new Xgimi and AWOL Vision models will also have to contend with the Hisense PX4-PRO – an UST projector showcased at CES but announced prior to the holidays. The PX4-PRO offers a new IRIS system, brightness of 3,500 ANSI lumens, IMAX Enhanced certification, and a 6,000:1 contrast ratio. The price has not yet been revealed, but the specifications suggest it will be one of the strongest competitors in the UST projector segment in 2026.
