posted on Tuesday, 6th January 2026 by Steve May
AWOL Vision has announced a new range of high-end, ultra short throw projectors at CES 2026, aimed at large-format residential entertainment spaces and high-performance gaming environments.
The new Aetherion series, comprising the Aetherion Max and Aetherion Pro, are positioned at the top of AWOL Vision’s portfolio, the Aetherion series is built around a triple laser light engine and is designed to maintain full 4K image clarity at screen sizes of up to 200-inches.
Central to the platform is AWOL Vision’s proprietary PixelLock technology, which combines optical, mechanical and digital alignment processes to address challenges typically associated with ultra short throw projection, particularly at extreme image sizes. The system is intended to maintain pixel accuracy, colour alignment and edge-to-edge sharpness across a wide range of installations, from living rooms to dedicated home cinemas.
Both models target multi-use environments, with support for cinema, sports and gaming applications, and are positioned for integration into professionally installed AV systems.
At the optical level, Aetherion employs a sapphire glass lens with rare earth coatings and a planetary coating process carried out in cleanroom conditions. AWOL Vision says this approach improves light transmission, reduces chromatic aberration and helps ensure consistent optical performance over time. A motorised dust-seal lens cover is included to protect the optical path in long-term installations.
Image performance specifications include up to 3,300 ISO lumens for the Aetherion Max and 2,600 ISO lumens for the Pro, alongside a quoted 6,000:1 native contrast ratio and enhanced black level processing. Support is provided for Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode and dynamic tone mapping, allowing the projector to adapt HDR content scene by scene.
For custom installers, the platform offers extensive calibration and adjustment controls, including contrast behaviour, colour mapping, tone curves and pixel geometry. AWOL Vision also highlights anti-rainbow effect processing for DLP artefact reduction and a zero light-leakage optical design to improve black levels in controlled lighting environments.
Beyond video, the Aetherion series can function as a centre-channel speaker when integrated with compatible audio systems, allowing installers to route dialogue directly through the projector chassis in space-constrained rooms.
Gaming and fast-motion performance is another area of focus. The projectors support 1ms-class input latency at up to 240Hz, alongside VRR and Auto Low Latency Mode. Aetherion is also positioned as the first projector to support Dolby Vision Gaming. Connectivity includes Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, while processing is handled by the MT9655 system-on-chip with 8GB RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, running Google TV on Android 14.
AWOL Vision projectors are available on Amazon.
The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max and Aetherion Pro hits retail in March 2026. US pricing is set at $4,499 for the Aetherion Max and $3,499 for the Aetherion Pro, with UK pricing yet to be confirmed.

Inside CI Editor Steve May is a freelance technology specialist who also writes for T3, TechRadar, Home Cinema Choice, Trusted Reviews and The Luxe Review.

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