Andy Zhao: Redefining Home Entertainment Through Innovation and Immersive Projection Experiences

DUBAI/GULF TIME

At GITEX GLOBAL 2025, Valerion by AWOL Vision takes center stage to unveil its latest innovations redefining the future of home entertainment.
Andy Zhao, Founder and CEO of Valerion, discusses the company’s showcase at GITEX, key industry best practices, anticipated market growth, and the emerging trends shaping the next generation of home theater, gaming, and smart projection experiences.
Andy Zhao, Founder & CEO, Valerion said that at GITEX GLOBAL 2025, Valerion by AWOL Vision is launching its flagship VisionMaster Max projector in the Middle East, debuting the next generation of home theater experiences that refines home entertainment. He explained that visitors can experience a custom-built home theater setup demonstrating ultra-deep blacks, lifelike color accuracy, and exceptional brightness powered by RGB triple laser and the proprietary NoirScene™ Dark Field Engine System. Zhao added that the booth also features Valerion’s full projector lineup, including VisionMaster Pro 2, VisionMaster Pro, StreamMaster Plus 2, StreamMaster Plus, and the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro ultra-short-throw projector, alongside a dedicated gaming zone highlighting ultra-low latency and seamless motion handling for immersive gaming experiences.

– List some best practices to take a note of in your sector
Andy Zhao emphasized several best practices that define the sector:
· Innovate for visual excellence: Technologies like the world’s first Anti-RBE (Rainbow Effect) Technology, which cuts rainbow artifacts by 99.99%, and patented EBL™ (Enhanced Black Level) delivering true-to-life contrast ratios of 50,000:1, set the benchmark for cinematic-quality projection.
· Design for versatility: Zhao noted that Valerion’s interchangeable lenses allow projectors to adapt to virtually any living space, demonstrating the importance of products that fit diverse environments.
· Seamless connectivity: He highlighted that Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6E ensure smooth streaming and advanced control, reflecting the need for reliable smart home integration.
· Enhance user experience: Zhao stated that beyond technology, immersive experiences, movies, gaming, and social gatherings are essential, with intuitive operation and comfort-focused innovations improving adoption and satisfaction.
Andy Zhao said that the Middle East home theater market is experiencing strong growth. He pointed out that the UAE’s home theater segment is projected to rise from USD 217.5 million in 2024 to USD 293.4 million by 2032, while the broader regional professional audio-visual market is expected to reach USD 22.7 billion by 2030. Zhao added that globally, the home theater systems market is forecasted to expand from USD 10.45 billion in 2025 to USD 16.40 billion by 2030, reflecting increasing adoption of premium projection solutions.
Andy Zhao stated that Valerion plans to expand its presence across the Middle East through strategic channel sales, partnering with retailers, integrators, and professional AV distributors to make premium home theater technology more accessible. He added that beyond homes, the company aims to bring cinematic-quality projection to business and lifestyle spaces, including corporate environments, boutique hospitality, and entertainment venues. Zhao emphasized that through these initiatives, Valerion will continue to showcase the VisionMaster Max and its full projector lineup, delivering next-generation visual experiences that combine immersive performance, smart connectivity, and adaptability for diverse spaces.

– Share some trends that will shape your sector in the coming months
Andy Zhao explained that consumers are increasingly treating the home like a private cinema, investing in immersive setups. He said that affluent buyers, especially in the Gulf, are installing dedicated theater rooms with high-end AV kits. Zhao noted that streaming platforms and major sports/gaming events have accelerated this shift, as many families now prefer 100”+ projector screens at home over public cinemas. He added that manufacturers are responding with sleeker, compact designs and simple “plug and play” setups so one device can handle movies, sports, or video games interchangeably. According to Zhao, high-end projectors now often blend into décor and include built-in smart features, giving them the feel of lifestyle gadgets rather than plain AV boxes.

– Smart Home Integration and Ecosystems
Andy Zhao said that projectors are firmly entering the smart-home ecosystem. He noted that new models include built-in streaming OSes (Android TV, Google TV) and wireless protocols (Apple AirPlay, Miracast) so users can cast content directly from phones or laptops. Zhao added that voice assistants and automation are standard expectations, allowing users to ask Alexa or Siri to dim lights and start the projector seamlessly. He emphasized that manufacturers highlight features like instant screen mirroring, multi-room casting, and AI-driven auto-calibration to make setup trivial. Zhao concluded that projectors today behave much like smart TVs or speakers – fully integrated with home assistants and apps – making screen control as easy as managing lights or music.

– Projection Technology Advancements
Andy Zhao explained that on the technology side, triple laser sources continue to advance, delivering far more brightness, contrast, and longer lifespan than old lamps. He said the new Valerion VisionMaster Max uses RGB triple laser with precision IRIS to reach a 50,000:1 contrast ratio driven by the proprietary EBL (Enhanced Black Level) technology. Zhao highlighted that it exhibits almost no visible rainbow artifacts thanks to advanced algorithms and refined hardware.

– Gaming and Immersive Entertainment
Andy Zhao said that projectors are also moving front-and-center in gaming and immersive entertainment. He explained that modern gaming projectors now offer very low input lag and high refresh rates: the VisionMaster Max, for instance, delivers just 4 milliseconds of lag at 1080p/240Hz, satisfying competitive gamers. Zhao added that with high dynamic range (HDR) and a 110% Rec.2020 wide color gamut, game worlds and live sports look spectacular on big screens up to 300 inches. He pointed out that all Valerion and AWOL Vision projectors support 3D, and future models are expected to blur the lines with VR and AR for more immersive and interactive experiences. Zhao mentioned that beyond gaming, large-format projection is transforming home entertainment — from family movie nights to fitness or yoga sessions with scenic backdrops — making projectors the ultimate multi-sensory display.

– Business, Hybrid Work and New Use Cases
Andy Zhao explained that in professional and hybrid-work spaces, projectors are gaining traction again. He said new business-class models emphasize easy conferencing with very large (often 100″+) images so every participant sees clearly, whether remote or in the room. Zhao noted that wireless presentation tools and built-in speakers allow anyone to present with a laptop or phone instantly. He added that features like auto keystone, optical zoom, and lens shift make installation quick and efficient in any meeting room.

– Lifestyle and Aesthetic Considerations
Andy Zhao concluded that looking at lifestyle trends, form factor and design are now front and center. He stated that projectors are no longer just black plastic boxes; premium models feature refined casings and finishes to match high-end interiors. According to Zhao, projectors are being treated as design objects and lifestyle tools where choices in size, placement, and casing color matter almost as much as the specs, reflecting how home entertainment is becoming highly personalized and aesthetic-driven.