One of the biggest challenges for DLP technology over the last decade has been its relatively limited contrast performance compared to other projection technologies such as LCD and LCOS/SXRD. This limitation means that black levels often appear dark gray, and shadowy scenes are blurred rather than clearly defined.
With the continuous progress in projection technology and the introduction of pure RGB laser light sources, new hope has emerged for improving contrast in DLP projectors. Valerion has taken this “hope” to the next level with its proprietary EBL (Enhanced Black Level) technology, an advanced AI-driven algorithm designed to revolutionize DLP contrast performance.
How EBL Works
EBL technology is integrated into the latest Valerion models, such as the VisionMaster StreamMaster series. This A.I real-time dynamic contrast system analyzes each scene frame by frame and dynamically adjusts the output of the three RGB laser diodes while fine-tuning key image parameters such as gamma and white temperature. The result is an image that preserves brightness where needed while significantly improving black levels and overall contrast.
EBL can be activated across the entire range of the manual laser power scale (from 0 to 10). Simply lowering the laser power manually sets the maximum brightness threshold within which EBL operates. This feature is unique to Valerion projectors and allows users to adjust the peak brightness according to screen size, screen type (ALR, Fresnel, white, etc.), room conditions, and content type. Once the desired peak brightness is set, the EBL algorithm optimizes the contrast while maintaining this predefined brightness limit.
EBL offers two operating modes:
- High Mode: The most aggressive setting, providing the widest dynamic range and the strongest contrast improvement.
- Low Mode: A more subtle implementation that gently improves contrast and dynamic range while operating more discreetly.
The Science Behind EBL
The concept behind EBL is simple but highly effective. Imagine a VisionMaster Pro 2 operating at 100% laser power, producing a peak brightness of 80 foot-lamberts (fL) for example, and a black level of 0.04 fL. In a dark scene where the brightest highlight only reaches 16 fL, full laser power and the 80 fL max brightness are totally unnecessary.
EBL dynamically reduces the laser power, for example by 50%, while simultaneously applying gamma correction. This lowers the black level from 0.04 fL to 0.02 fL, effectively doubling the contrast ratio while maintaining the original brightness of the highlights through real-time gamma adjustment.
For instance, if a highlight originally measured at 16 fL drops to 8 fL due to EBL laser dimming by 50%, the gamma correction restores it back to 16 fL. Simply put, EBL preserves the brightness of highlights while simultaneously reducing black levels, effectively improving the on-scene contrast and the black level.
Additionally, EBL continuously adjusts the white temperature in real time across all grayscale levels. In conjunction with gamma correction and laser power adjustment, this ensures a consistent color behavior at the entire greyscale. These processes run at extremely high speed, frame by frame, scene by scene, making them almost imperceptible to the human eye.
The Impact of EBL
The results are remarkable:
- A dramatic increase in contrast, reaching up to 15,000:1.
- Deeper blacks that no longer appear gray but truly black.
- Improved scene contrast that enhances the perception of depth and detail in dark scenes.
EBL dynamically behaves differently to different content types, whether SDR, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, and optimizes picture quality accordingly. HDR and Dolby Vision content benefit the most, as EBL leverages the dynamic metadata of these high dynamic range formats to fine-tune image parameters with exceptional accuracy.
Energy Efficiency and Longevity
Another major benefit of EBL is its positive impact on power consumption. When enabled, energy consumption drops significantly, from 150–160 W at full laser power to just 80–100 W. This reduction lowers electricity costs and extends the life of key components such as the DMD chip and laser diodes. Additionally, the projector runs cooler, ensuring better long-term reliability and stability, making it an energy-efficient and durable solution for both home theaters and professional environments.
EBL vs. Conventional Dynamic Contrast Systems
Unlike conventional dynamic contrast systems in DLP projectors, which rely on dynamic iris adjustments or simple brightness modulation, EBL operates much more smoothly. Older methods often cause noticeable brightness shifts, whereas EBL performs micro-adjustments with surgical precision at high speed. The result is a seamless and natural viewing experience, free from the common issues associated with previous dynamic contrast technologies.
Additionally, EBL limits visual artifacts such as brightness pumping or excessive dimming in bright scenes. Instead of roughly reducing brightness, EBL carefully analyzes each frame to improve contrast without compromising image fidelity. This is especially beneficial for movies with constant transitions between bright and dark scenes, where older contrast systems often struggle with consistency.
The Future of EBL
Valerion is committed to continuously improving the EBL algorithm. Through firmware updates, we will refine its performance and introduce new features to overall improve the user experience. Our vision is to set a new standard for contrast performance - and not only - of laser DLP projectors, making them more competitive than ever before.
Future versions of EBL will likely incorporate even more advanced AI-driven optimizations, allowing the system to operate with even greater precision and consistency. Whether in a dark home theater or a moderately lit living room, EBL will intelligently adapt its parameters to maximize contrast and black levels for the best possible viewing experience.
With Valerion’s EBL, DLP projection has taken a giant leap forward, delivering deep blacks and true in-scene contrast previously unimaginable with this technology. The future of laser DLP projection is here, and it’s brighter - and darker - than ever before. As Valerion continues to push the boundaries of projection technology, EBL stands as a testament to what is possible when engineering innovation meets the demands of true home cinema fans.
