XGIMI TITAN Noir Max 4K Projector Review

The TITAN Noir Max Kickstarter campaign, launched in April 2026, has raised over $15 million with nearly 5000 backers, and the units are scheduled to ship in June 2026. The $2,999 early-bird price is 50% below the $5,999 MSRP. At its retail price, the TITAN Noir Max enters the same competitive tier as the Sony VPL-XW5000ES and Epson LS12000, while offering brightness and color-gamut coverage that neither product matches. 

The TITAN Noir Max, based on its specs, really stands out due to its native contrast, high brightness, and features, so having the opportunity to get my hands on it was very exciting. XGIMI has established itself as a leading manufacturer of lifestyle projectors. We have always been impressed by their models for their excellent image quality, integrated smart features, simple setup, and compact form factors.

Last year, XGIMI decided to branch out to meet the needs of serious home theater enthusiasts and professional projector users by launching the award-winning XGIMI TITAN. The original TITAN includes a 0.78-inch High Efficiency Pixel (HEP) DMD and a dual-blue laser-phosphor light source capable of delivering over 5,000 ISO Lumens.  We were incredibly impressed with the TITAN’s performance, but the TITAN Noir Max is even more innovative.

To learn more about the differences between the Titan Noir Max and the Titan, check out our comparison video on our YouTube site.

The TITAN Noir Max trades the TITAN’s large-chip brightness headroom and built-in power supply for a newer, smaller, contrast-optimized 0.47-inch SST DMD chip architecture.

The original TITAN uses a 0.78-inch DMD, designed for high-output prosumer applications and capable of handling the thermal load of light sources exceeding 7,000 lumens for extended periods. The Titan Noir Max uses the 0.47-inch SST DMD, a newer Texas Instruments architecture that delivers DLP-class leading contrast performance while still producing high brightness.

The key mechanical difference between the new DMD chips and current DMDs found in most DLP projectors is that the SSD mirrors can be tilted by ±14.5 degrees. A larger tilt angle means the mirror deflects the rejected light farther from the lens axis when producing a dark pixel, improving the light-rejection ratio and increasing native contrast without relying on external processing. The SST chip also has higher power tolerance and better thermal management, which is why it can sustain brightness levels that previous 0.47-inch DMD chips could not.

To further maximize native contrast, XGIMI included a Dual Intelligent Iris System that uses two physical irises in the optical path. The first controls laser output at the light source, while the second sits near the lens element and controls transmitted light reaching the screen. These physical irises reduce the amount of light entering the optical path, resulting in a lower black floor.

Five manual levels are available, each representing a different aperture diameter and a different brightness-to-contrast tradeoff. There is also a Dynamic Iris setting that continuously adjusts both irises based on the displayed scene.

XGIMI’s new X-Vision processor adds Dynamic Black Level Enhancement, which analyzes scenes in real time and continuously adjusts the laser's light output and the projector's contrast curve to deepen blacks and extract shadow detail. Combining DBLE with the dynamic iris delivers extremely high dynamic contrast.

RGB Triple Laser light source can reproduce 110% of the BT.2020 color space. This ensures the projector can deliver the wide color range encoded into HDR content. Since the RGB triple laser eliminates the need for a color wheel, there is a visible reduction in the rainbow effect (RBE). For customers who are very sensitive to rainbows, the projector also includes a new Anti-RBE system that addresses residual artifacts inherent in the RGB laser DLP architecture.

XGIMI will be offering three models in its TITAN Noir Series. These models range in brightness from 4,000 to 7,000 lumens, and as you step up the lineup, you also get higher native contrast. The difference in brightness is due to the number of laser chips in the laser light system.

The TITAN Noir sits above the HORIZON 20 series and TITAN. We just reviewed the HORIZON 20 Max ($2,699 MSRP), XGIMI's premium lifestyle-focused model that delivers up to 5700 ISO lumens. The unit’s high brightness, smart OS, and room-to-room portability make it a good option for many living spaces.

The TITAN is targeted at home theater enthusiasts and professional users. It has a larger DMD chip, a dual-laser light engine, and professional connectivity. The TITAN is designed to appeal to buyers seeking a dedicated viewing space and a way to permanently mount a high-brightness, color-accurate projector. The TITAN’s larger chassis allows for quieter fans and a built-in power supply.

XGIMI will be offering three models in its TITAN Noir Series. These models use triple RGB lasers paired with a 0.47-inch SST DMD and a dual iris system to deliver deeper black levels and higher native contrast.  These models range in brightness from 4,000 to 7,000 lumens, and as you step up the lineup, you also get higher native contrast. The difference in brightness is due to the number of laser chips in the laser light system. XGIMI provided us with the top model, which was the TITAN Noir Max. 

All the projector's connections are located on the rear of the chassis. There are three HDMI 2.0 ports, one of which supports Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), enabling lossless audio passthrough to an AV receiver or soundbar over a single cable. The HDMI ports do not support 4K at 120Hz, but the projector does support gaming at 1080P Full HD at 240 frames per second.

Other connections include USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, analog audio output, optical digital audio output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for network access and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth remote is backlit and logically laid out for use in dark rooms. The remote includes four shortcut buttons, which can be programmed to access inputs and settings. These are great if you like to quickly adjust iris settings or quickly change picture modes.

The 15-element motorized lens assembly offers 2x zoom with a 0.98 to 2.0:1 throw ratio. This means if you have a 120-inch screen, the projector can be placed between 8.73 ft (2.66 meters) and 17.42 ft (5.31 meters) away from the screen.

Lens memory for five positions, along with CinemaScope 2.35:1 switching, will be available via the upcoming OTA update. The TITAN Noir Max offers automatic keystone correction. It is always better to utilize optical shift to maximize on-screen resolution.

The projector includes sensor-based autofocus that operates automatically on startup or on demand. While the projector has a large amount of optical lens shift, the TITAN Noir Max offers auto keystone correction and manual 4-corner adjustments. The physical setup process is straightforward: the motorized lens shift and one-click autofocus and keystone system reduce installation time considerably.

XGIMI projectors that we have reviewed in the past have always delivered excellent color accuracy. As expected, the TITAN Noir Max color reproduction out-of-the-box is very good. Due to its RGB laser light source, the TITAN Noir Max can easily reproduce the DCI-P3 color gamut used to master most HDR content. Our measurements confirmed that the projector can reproduce 100% of the BT.2020 color gamut.

The projector includes several preset picture modes for both SDR and HDR. Most modes, except PERFORMANCE mode, delivered a good-looking image. Most of the modes offered similar brightness, with the main differences being their color temperatures and the default picture enhancement settings. For example, because of its cooler color temperature, the STANDARD mode is a good option for viewing content under warm ambient light.

While I love the color reproduction and brightness of the TITAN Noir Max, there is noticeable laser speckle on the projection screen in my media room. I have never noticed this effect in my media room because most RGB projectors lack the horizontal and vertical lens shift required for that space. Higher-end models from JVC, Sony, and Epson, which work well, are all blue-laser phosphor.

Laser speckle is a visual artifact that occurs when RGB laser projectors interact with certain projection screen materials. Laser speckle was minor on my matte white screen and acoustically transparent screen, but on my ambient light-rejecting screen, it was noticeable enough to be distracting.

For those interested in purchasing an ALR screen with an RGB laser projector, such as the Titan Noir Max, I suggest consulting the projector screen manufacturer or a knowledgeable retailer, such as www.projectionscreen.com, to ensure you choose the right combination.

Most manufacturers promote their projectors' dynamic contrast ratio, which is measured using alternating all-white and all-black frames and does not represent simultaneous on-screen performance. Since most DLP projectors incorporate a laser or LED light source with dynamic dimming, it is easy to produce incredibly high dynamic contrast numbers. The TITAN Noir Max has a dynamic contrast ratio rating of 100,000:1.

In my room, on my 100-inch matte white screen, setting the iris to f/4.0 delivered a native contrast of 5,000:1 while still delivering over 360 nits, which is the DCI-recommended on-screen brightness level for good HDR color reproduction.

Switching the Iris to f/5.5 raises native contrast to 7,622:1, a 51% gain over F4.0. At calibrated settings, f/5.5 delivers approximately 200 nits on a 100-inch screen, which is the appropriate target for dark-room critical viewing. An iris setting of f/7.0 delivered 9,012:1 native contrast, but the brightness is so severely reduced that I wouldn't recommend using that setting.

To further improve black level and shadow detail, the TITAN Noir Max features Dynamic Black Level Enhancement (DBLE). This feature combines dynamic laser dimming with contrast curve adjustments to optimize perceived onscreen contrast based on the displayed scene.

While XGIMI included a feature called Dual Iris Sync to help prevent a shift in color temperature when the dynamic iris and dynamic laser dimming are engaged, a visible change in color temperature is still noticeable when switching between F5.5 and F7.0.

While the DBLE does improve shadow detail and black level, you may sometimes notice a shift in grayscale as the projector makes its adjustments. The TITAN Noir Max has a Dynamic Black Level Tuning feature that lets you adjust or correct this color shift during calibration.

Due to its combination of advanced features and technologies, the TITAN Noir Max did an exceptional job displaying challenging dark scenes from movies like The Batman, Nope, and 1917. The Valerian VisionMaster Max is the only DLP projector that I have ever tested that can match the Titan Noir's black level, but it can't match the XGIMI when it comes to usable brightness.

For most enthusiasts utilizing the TITAN Noir Max in a darkened environment, setting the iris to f/4.0 or f/4.5 with the DBLE feature engaged delivered the best-looking image. It offered excellent black level and shadow detail while still delivering the brightness needed to deliver a vibrant HDR image on a 130-inch screen.

With the iris set to f/2.0, the Titan Noir Max still delivered a respectable native contrast ratio of 1,871:1. This iris setting produces maximum brightness, which is useful when viewing content under moderate ambient light. In brighter environments, deeper black levels wouldn't be visible anyway.

When it comes to HDR, the projector delivered the best-looking image I have seen on a DLP projector. The projector's high native contrast and excellent dynamic contrast control made it easy to see dark details in the shadows. The TITAN Noir Max supports nearly every consumer HDR format, including Dolby Vision, HDR10 Plus, HLG, and HDR10, along with Filmmaker mode, and it's IMAX Enhanced certified.

Offers two Dolby Vision presets, one for a dark room and one for a bright room. Dolby Vision tone mapping helps the projector preserve highlight detail and maintain shadow texture without lifting the black floor.

When viewing HDR10 content, the projector's HDR tone-mapping feature did a good job of increasing overall brightness while maintaining highlight detail. When watching Dobby Vision content or when HDR tone mapping is engaged, you can enter your screen's size and gain.

Screen size and screen gain affect the overall brightness potential of a projection system, so to effectively tone map dynamic HDR content, that information needs to be factored into the calculations.

HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping improves the overall look of HDR10 content, but sometimes adds contrast processing that makes objects appear overly sharp, as was visible in a clip from Mad Max showing fine detail in the blonde girl's hair. When the dynamic tone mapping feature was switched off, the softer-looking image appeared more realistic.

However, in most HDR movies, especially those mastered at higher brightness levels, such as The Meg, engaging Dynamic Tone Mapping made the overall scene brighter while still maintaining highlight detail, resulting in a more impactful look. Recommend leaving Dynamic Tone Mapping enabled for most HDR content and disabling it when artificial edge enhancement is observed on soft-textured subjects.

DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative), which sets the standards for professional projection, states that 300 nits is the optimal on-screen brightness for HDR. I have found that a projector needs to deliver over 200 nits of on-screen brightness to produce a really good-looking HDR image. As the screen gets larger, higher luminance is required to achieve those numbers.

TITAN Noir Max can deliver nearly 5,000 lumens of color-accurate brightness. It can easily be utilized on projectors exceeding 165 inches and still achieve the recommended brightness.

The projector’s high brightness reduced the need to aggressively tone map HDR content, making it look closer to the creator's intent. Also, the higher brightness made highlight details and bright colors appear more saturated. Due to the projector's high brightness, the image looked closer to that of a flat-panel display than most units I've seen.

The TITAN Noir Max is not only great for home entertainment, but it also delivers outstanding gaming performance. The projector supports HDMI ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), so it automatically switches to its Game-Enhancement mode when gaming content is detected. Due to its extremely low lag, gaming felt responsive. XGIMI says the input lag is as low as 1 ms when playing HD games at 240 frames per second.

I've used my Leo Bonar lag tester to measure the unit's input lag at different frame rates. Below are the measurements.

• 4 ms @ 4K/60fps
• 7.3 ms @ 1080p/120fps
• 3.1ms @ 1080p/240fps

The TITAN Noir Max also supports Variable Refresh Rate. When in Game Enhancement mode, holding down the settings button on the remote brings up a dedicated Gaming menu that includes several settings designed to maximize the gaming experience. There are dedicated gaming picture modes designed to optimize the projector's picture adjustments for different types of gaming, including First-Person Shooter, Role-Playing Game, and Sports. Enabling the Frame Rate Indicator setting shows the frame rate in the corner of the screen.

You can even change the look of the Gaming Menu to match the menu’s look to match your game system, whether it's a Nintendo Switch, a PlayStation, an Xbox, or an Unrestricted Machine.

The projector's high brightness and wide color gamut cover made images pop even under ambient light, so you don't have to game with your friends sitting in the dark. While I wish the TITAN Noir Max supported 4K/120Hz and offered lower input lag, it still delivers an outstanding gaming experience.

The VisionMaster Max’s native contrast performance is exceptional for a DLP projector, and its Enhanced Black Level system delivers impressive dynamic contrast and excellent shadow detail. In dark scenes, it produces some of the best black levels currently available from a compact DLP design. The projector's video processing and dynamic laser dimming are also highly effective. When the iris is engaged in the TITAN Noir Max, it delivers far higher native contrast than the Vision Master Max while still delivering higher brightness.

Installation flexibility is another area where the Titan Noir Max holds an advantage. Its wider zoom range and both horizontal and vertical lens shift make it easier to integrate into challenging rooms. The VisionMaster Max offers vertical lens shift but lacks horizontal adjustment, which may force some users to rely on digital keystone correction.

The TITAN Noir Max does not include smart OS, so you will need a video streaming device. This shouldn't be an issue since most home theater enthusiasts have a Blu-ray player, a Kaleidescape, and/or an Apple TV.