For those who have bought into the UST projector concept, the integration of a projector, ALR screen, and soundbar has not been completely smooth sailing. Being able to place the projector within 12″ of the wall and screen has always been the primary advantage, but that has never left users enough space for the sound component; screen setup is slightly tricky with USTs and unless you are able to install in-wall/in-ceiling speakers — the soundbar scenario does not work so well. XGIMI’s Ascend which is being previewed at CES 2025 might be one of the best solutions we have seen so far.
This innovative product combines a 100-inch motorized Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen and two premium Harman Kardon soundbars in a rather unique looking cabinet. The Bang & Olufsen vibe is strong with this one. Editor at Large Chris Boylan and I got a chance to both see and hear the Ascend in operation at CES 2025 last week and found that it offered excellent sound and picture quality in a sleek package. We liked it enough to award it one of our coveted “Best in Show” awards for most innovative projection screen.
The Ascend is designed to pair with the recently released XGIMI AURA 2 4K UST Laser Projector (although it can be used with other USTs), creating a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and refined design for the ultimate home theater setup.
Engineered as both a cinematic screen and an ambiance-enhancing display, Ascend offers versatility, allowing users to adjust the screen to just one-third of its height, creating a cozy, fireplace-like ambiance that transforms the room. Alternatively, it can extend to its full 100-inch display, delivering a true cinematic experience with a wide-viewing angle and advanced contrast ratio enhancement that rejects ambient light. Ascend provides clarity and vibrancy in rooms with various lighting conditions, making it ideal for any space.
You Can’t Buy The Ascend Quite Yet
XGIMI states that the Ascend is a concept at this point. However, it signals XGIMI’s vision for future advancements in home entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through creative engineering and design. Ascend’s potential to deliver cinematic-quality experiences in a convenient, all-in-one format exemplifies XGIMI’s commitment to evolving its projector lineup with innovative accessories and solutions that elevate at-home viewing. It’s the ultimate solution for home theater enthusiasts, offering a space-saving and immersive experience, thanks to the ultra short-throw design and built-in sound from the screen.
From Apollo Zhong, CEO of XGIMI; “We’re thrilled to introduce Ascend at CES 2025 and showcase our latest technological explorations,…Ascend is a symbol of our dedication to continuous innovation in home entertainment and a testament to our drive to provide users with powerful, elegant solutions that enhance their everyday lives. It’s the type of jaw-dropping product that belongs at CES, and we’re so excited to gather feedback from technologists at the show.”
The AURA 2
The AURA 2 UST features an Auto Lens Cover with motorized wing-like doors that open and close seamlessly, protecting the lens while adding a touch of modern elegance. This approach unites Ascend and AURA 2 into a harmonious pairing, reflecting a shared vision of blending cutting-edge technology with refined artistry.
The AURA 2 delivers a cinematic sound experience with its built-in 60W Harman Kardon speakers enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology, immersing viewers in rich, multidimensional soundscapes. Ascend offers an alternative audio output option with its premium Harman Kardon soundbars, these two innovations transform any room into a next-level home cinema.
Horizon S MAX
If a standard throw projector is more your style, the XGIMI will also be showing the HORIZON S Max at CES 2025. It was first shown at CES 2024 and released in September 2024 as part of its new HORIZON S Series. The HORIZON S Max is designed to meet average use needs with a streamlined design and features that are easy to use. The Horizon S incorporates Dual Light 2.0 Technology, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced certification, and a 3100 ISO lumen brightness for enhanced picture quality.
Comparison
| AURA 2 | HORIZON S Max (formerly the HORIZON Max) | |
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $1,899 |
| Form Factor | UST (Ultra Short Throw) | Home Projector |
| Light Source | Dual Light 2.0/20,000 Hours | Dual Light 2.0/20,000 Hours |
| Imaging Chip | DLP (.47” DMD) | DLP (.47” DMD) |
| Display Resolution | 4K UHD (via pixel shifting) | 4K UHD (via pixel shifting) |
| Light Output (ISO Lumens) | 2300 | 3000 |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 99% | BT.2020 110% |
| Contrast Ratio | Dynamic 1000000:1 | Dynamic 1000000:1 |
| HDR | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision | HDR10 HLG Dolby Vision |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes (OTA) | Yes |
| Game Mode Latency | 20ms (AK off) | 20ms (AK off) |
| Lens | High Light Transmission Coated Lens | High Light Transmission Coated Lens |
| Screen Size | 90 – 150 inches | 40-200 inches |
| Eye Protection | Yes | Yes |
| ISA Technology | Yes | Yes |
| OS | Android TV™11.0 | Android TV™11.0 |
| Mirroring/Casting | Chromecast built-in/Magicast | DLNA/GoogleCast/Airscreen/Miracast |
| Speaker System | 4 × 15W (2.0 channels) Harman/Kardon | 2 × 12W (Harman/Kardon) |
| DTS | Virtual:X HD Studio Sound | Virtual:X HD |
| Dolby | Dolby Audio Dolby Digital Dolby Digital Plus Dolby Atmos | Dolby Audio Dolby Digital Dolby Digital Plus |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Ver 5.2/BLE | Ver 5.1 |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (eARC support) | Yes (eARC support) |
| Fan Noise | ≤32dB@1m | ≤28dB@1m |
| Bluetooth Remote Control | Yes | Yes |
| Dimension (HWD) | 144 x 510 x 270 mm 5.7 x 20 x 10.6 inches | 234 x 273 x 174 mm 9.2 x 10.75 x 6.85 inches |
| Weight | 9 kg 19 lbs 13 oz | 4.81 kg 10 lbs 10oz |
Tip: Also refer to our previous article, which includes information on the AURA 2, Horizon S MAX, and additional projectors in XGIMI’s current lineup.
The Bottom Line
The XGIMI ASCEND looks and feels like the perfect solution for UST owners and this could be a breakthrough product for the manufacturer assuming that the price is not exorbitant. XGIMI reps told us at CES that they are considering offering it on a crowd-funding site such as Kickstarter so that can get real world feedback on the concept before it goes into production. While the screen size of the prototype was 100 inches, perhaps there is a bigger market for even larger screen versions?
AURA 2 owners might not love the idea of paying for 2 audio systems because the projector itself already has one built into its own chassis. That scenario applies to a number of existing USTs. But having heard both, which were both designed in partnership with Harmon Kardon, we can say that the Ascend offers a much more cinematic sound than the smaller speakers built into the Aura 2.
The elephant in the room for the ASCEND is the waning interest in UST projectors after only 3 years of market penetration; TCL and Hisense are flooding the market with 98-inch+ 4K TVs for under $3,500 that offer superior image quality, and easier installation. Though they truly are the elephant in the room because they take up a massive amount of wall space, even when they’re not in use, while a solution like the XGIMI Ascend virtually disappears when you want it to.
Soundbars and traditional 5.1 or Atmos 7.2.4 surround systems are much easier to integrate with TVs and it’s hard to imagine the ASCEND being more affordable than the combination of a 98-inch TV and speaker/AVR combination; and that doesn’t even include the price of the UST projector. Did this product enter the market too late or will it find its niche? Time will tell.
Price & Availability
XGIMI showcased the Ascend, AURA 2, HORIZON S Max, and more from its 2024 product lineup at CES on January 6, 2025, at the Pepcom show at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas and after that at the Renaissance Hotel next to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The AURA 2 and Horizon S MAX projectors are available for purchase.
- AURA 2 – $2,699 at Amazon
- Horizon S MAX – $1,899 at Amazon
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