AWOL Vision has opened orders for its new Aetherion projector series, bringing its latest ultra short throw home cinema hardware to early backers through a Kickstarter campaign. First shown at CES 2026, the Aetherion lineup is positioned as the company’s most advanced offering to date, pairing triple-laser projection with a strong focus on image sharpness, large-format scale, and gaming performance.
The campaign launches February 10 and runs through April 1, with shipments scheduled to begin in April. Early bird pricing offers substantial discounts off retail, along with bundle options that package the projectors with screens, audio gear, and furniture designed for living-room-friendly installs.
Two Models Aimed at Big Screens Without the Big TV Price
The Aetherion series includes two models: Aetherion Pro and Aetherion Max. Early backers can secure the Pro for $1,999 and the Max for $2,199, compared to listed MSRPs of $3,499 and $4,499, respectively. AWOL Vision frames the value pitch simply: wall-filling 4K projection up to 200 inches for less than the cost of many premium televisions.
Both projectors are ultra short throw designs, meaning they can sit inches from the wall or screen while still producing massive images. That approach keeps installation straightforward for living rooms and multipurpose spaces, without the ceiling mounts or long cable runs common to traditional projectors.
PixelLock, Brightness, and Contrast at Scale
At the center of the Aetherion series is AWOL Vision’s proprietary PixelLock optical alignment system. The company says this technology maintains pixel-level precision across very large image sizes, helping avoid the softness that can creep in as projection scales upward.
Brightness and contrast numbers vary by model. The Aetherion Max is rated at 3,300 ISO lumens, while the Pro delivers 2,600 ISO lumens. Both models offer a native contrast ratio of 6,000:1, paired with enhanced black level performance rated up to 60,000:1. Anti-RBE technology is included as well, with AWOL Vision citing a 99.99 percent reduction in rainbow artifacts during both 2D and 3D viewing.
Gaming-Focused Features in a Living Room Projector
Beyond movies and sports, AWOL Vision is leaning into gaming use cases. The Aetherion series supports 1ms-class input latency, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode. Dolby Vision Gaming support is highlighted as an industry first for projectors, pairing HDR visuals with low-latency performance.
Internally, both models run on a MediaTek MT9655 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and Gigabit Ethernet, positioning the projectors as fully networked entertainment hubs rather than display-only devices.
Kickstarter-Only Bundles and Launch Incentives
During the campaign, AWOL Vision is offering several exclusive bundles aimed at buyers building a complete home cinema in one purchase. Options range from a $3,999 package that pairs the Aetherion Max with a 132-inch screen and a wireless 4.1.2 surround system, up to an $8,999 bundle that adds a motorized floor-rising ALR screen and a Vanish TV cabinet.
For launch day backers on February 10, AWOL Vision is including complimentary U.S. shipping on select bundles, adding another incentive for early participation.
Building on Past Kickstarter Success
AWOL Vision points to the earlier success of its Valerion brand, which raised over $10 million on Kickstarter, as proof of its ability to deliver at scale. With Aetherion, the company is extending that experience into a higher-end category focused on sharper optics, faster performance, and larger screen sizes.
More details about the Aetherion series and the Kickstarter campaign can be found on the official AWOL Vision website and its Kickstarter project page.
