Projectors have long been maligned as being complicated and expensive, but a seismic shift in consumer sentiment has flipped that narrative on its head. In 2025, companies like Anker and Valerion took the industry by storm with their innovative products that are making projectors a more practical and immersive choice.
The journey began several years ago when LG introduced its CineBeam HU80K projector at CES in 2018, which stunned audiences with its massive 150-inch image. The following year's CES saw the dawn of ultra short-throw (UST) laser projectors that could create similarly large displays while sitting just inches from your wall. Over time, advancements in technology led to brighter and longer-lasting laser light engines replacing older bulbs.
However, it wasn't until COVID forced people to get their entertainment at home that interest in projectors truly took off. Consumers were desperate for a movie theater experience – both indoors and outdoors – and the demand for projectors skyrocketed. This shift was fueled by two new products from Anker and Valerion: the Soundcore Nebula X1 and VisionMaster Max.
The Nebula X1 is the first home theater product to be reviewed as the top-rated, with a triple-laser engine that boasts 3,500 lumens of brightness – enough to watch during the day. This projector also features liquid cooling to reduce annoying fan noise and offers color-accurate picture quality with support for Dolby Vision HDR. Its retractable handle makes it easy to carry outside and set up under the stars.
The Nebula X1 Pro version comes with huge party speakers, providing excellent sound quality. Perhaps most excitingly, its motorized tilting lens automatically adjusts to fit your screen or surface, allowing buyers to set up the projector in just a few minutes – rather than hours. This feature also makes it easy to move the projector around and use in another location.
Valerion's VisionMaster Max shares many traits with the Nebula X1, including Dolby Vision, triple laser system, and automatic setup. It's also a sleek and modern product. However, it boasts two innovative features that set it apart: dynamic iris technology for Enhanced Black Level and anti-rainbow technology to eliminate common complaints about mid-range projectors.
These cutting-edge models are now available at a price point similar to high-quality TVs – with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Both the X1 and VisionMaster Max became the top-selling projectors on Kickstarter, and their popularity has sent the home projector market soaring.
As interest in projectors continues to grow, they may soon become an attractive option for gamers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a more immersive experience. With advancements in brightness, color accuracy, and installation complexity, it's possible that roll-up screens could one day reduce the barrier to entry for those considering replacing their TVs with a projector.
Ultimately, while projectors won't replace TVs for most people just yet, they're offering a compelling alternative for cinephiles who crave a theater-like experience.
The journey began several years ago when LG introduced its CineBeam HU80K projector at CES in 2018, which stunned audiences with its massive 150-inch image. The following year's CES saw the dawn of ultra short-throw (UST) laser projectors that could create similarly large displays while sitting just inches from your wall. Over time, advancements in technology led to brighter and longer-lasting laser light engines replacing older bulbs.
However, it wasn't until COVID forced people to get their entertainment at home that interest in projectors truly took off. Consumers were desperate for a movie theater experience – both indoors and outdoors – and the demand for projectors skyrocketed. This shift was fueled by two new products from Anker and Valerion: the Soundcore Nebula X1 and VisionMaster Max.
The Nebula X1 is the first home theater product to be reviewed as the top-rated, with a triple-laser engine that boasts 3,500 lumens of brightness – enough to watch during the day. This projector also features liquid cooling to reduce annoying fan noise and offers color-accurate picture quality with support for Dolby Vision HDR. Its retractable handle makes it easy to carry outside and set up under the stars.
The Nebula X1 Pro version comes with huge party speakers, providing excellent sound quality. Perhaps most excitingly, its motorized tilting lens automatically adjusts to fit your screen or surface, allowing buyers to set up the projector in just a few minutes – rather than hours. This feature also makes it easy to move the projector around and use in another location.
Valerion's VisionMaster Max shares many traits with the Nebula X1, including Dolby Vision, triple laser system, and automatic setup. It's also a sleek and modern product. However, it boasts two innovative features that set it apart: dynamic iris technology for Enhanced Black Level and anti-rainbow technology to eliminate common complaints about mid-range projectors.
These cutting-edge models are now available at a price point similar to high-quality TVs – with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Both the X1 and VisionMaster Max became the top-selling projectors on Kickstarter, and their popularity has sent the home projector market soaring.
As interest in projectors continues to grow, they may soon become an attractive option for gamers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a more immersive experience. With advancements in brightness, color accuracy, and installation complexity, it's possible that roll-up screens could one day reduce the barrier to entry for those considering replacing their TVs with a projector.
Ultimately, while projectors won't replace TVs for most people just yet, they're offering a compelling alternative for cinephiles who crave a theater-like experience.