
Aurora Pro vs Aurora Pro MKII: What’s the difference?
Amber Stefanson | Januray 22, 2024
The Aurora Pro MKII has arrived! As of this week, we’re taking pre-orders for the next-generation Aurora Pro. Although these two projectors look the same, Aurora Pro MKII has some serious upgrades that are going to take your home theater to the next level.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key differences between Aurora Pro and Aurora Pro MKII.
New Laser Engine: Lasts 4+ years longer
Aurora Pro MKII uses an ALPD 5.0 laser engine, a huge improvement from the older ALPD 4.0 used by the Aurora Pro.
Upgrading to ALPD 5.0 from ALPD 4.0 makes the projector more energy efficient, which results in 5,000 more hours of lamp life. That's equivalent to 4.5 extra years of average use (~3 hours a day).
This new laser engine also drastically improves contrast, bringing the native contrast ratio from 3000:1 to an impressive 4000:1.
Scene Adapt Engine: Improved contrast
Scene Adapt Engine (SAE) is a new image processing technology that dramatically improves the contrast and detail of the Aurora Pro MKII.
SAE works by improving low-Average Pixel Level (APL) scenes better without sacrificing quality of high-APL scenes. Simply put, you’ll get deeper blacks without sacrificing detail in bright scenes.
There are two components to SAE: Dynamic Iris and Dynamic Laser Dimming. The duo dramatically improves the dynamic contrast ratio, supercharging it from the 6000:1 of the Aurora Pro to over 30,000:1 in the Aurora Pro MKII.
Dynamic Iris: Deeper blacks than ever before
Dynamic Iris is a new feature built into the projection lens. Like the iris of your eye or the aperture of a camera lens, this software feature works by adjusting the lens to change the amount of light that gets through.
Dynamic Iris makes these adjustments in real time, depending on the content on-screen. In dark scenes, the iris reduces the amount of light that gets through. In bright scenes, it allows more light through. That way, you get the best of both worlds — luxuriously deep blacks with vibrant, glowing brights.
Dynamic Laser Dimming: More energy efficient
Like the Aurora Pro, the Aurora Pro MK II also features dynamic laser dimming, which dims the laser during dark scenes and brightens it during lighter scenes.
Also known as Dynamic Black, this feature greatly improves contrast by lowering black levels. With Dynamic Black enabled, gray and washed-out darks become deep, detailed, and saturated.

Dynamic Laser Dimming deepens blacks
while bringing out previously-hidden details.
Since the laser physically dims with this feature enabled, the projector consumes less energy in this mode. With Dynamic Black enabled, you save up to 70% of the device's total energy usage.
Improved Focus: More uniform sharpness
Many UST projectors share a common weakness: poor focus in one or multiple corners. This issue may result in "soft corners" or "color fringing", as highlighted in the following showdown by The Hook Up.
The Hook Up points out soft corners
and color fringing on a variety of UST projectors
This focus issue is a consequence of the steep projection angle used by UST projectors. Since the overall distance from the projector to the wall varies so much between the top and bottom of the screen, it can be difficult to find the perfect focal point.
As highlighted in the video above, some Aurora Pro and Aurora Lite units suffer from soft corners. Since receiving this feedback, we went back to the drawing board and explored ways that we can solve this issue.
As a result of its upgraded ALPD 5.0 laser engine and our own meticulous calibration, the Aurora Pro MKII has no soft corners. The focus of the MKII is more uniform, equally clear and detailed from one corner of the screen to the other.
Shorter Throw Ratio: Requires less space
The throw ratio of the Aurora Pro MK II was upgraded from 0.233:1 to an ultra-short 0.21:1. This improvement means that you can keep your Aurora Pro MK II even closer to the wall, saving valuable space while projecting a huge display.
You can refer to the chart below for a breakdown of how much space the Aurora Pro MKII can save you in your living room.

Side-by-Side Comparison
We hope that this information has helped you make an informed decision, but we know the difference needs to be seen to be believed.
That's why we've prepared a series of side-by-side comparisons, highlighting the visual impact of the Aurora Pro MKII upgrades.

Aurora Pro (left) next to Aurora Pro MKII (right)
In this example from Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), you can see the MKII (right) shows deeper shadows and more detail than the original Aurora Pro (left).
We've also filmed an extended demo comparing a darker scene from the same movie.
Aurora Pro MKII (left) next to Aurora Pro (right)
In this video, you can see the impact of Dynamic Iris and the enhanced contrast of the Aurora Pro MKII (left). The projection is deeper and richer. Although the Aurora Pro (right) has been touted for its high contrast and best performance in a dark room, next to the new Aurora Pro MKII, it appears washed-out by comparison.
Pre-Order Now
For a limited time, you can purchase the Aurora Pro MKII at a discounted price. The current pre-order discount is $1200 USD below the MSRP. Check out the pre-order sale and learn more about the fantastic features that the MKII has to offer.
If you own the original Aurora Pro, don't forget to check out our trade-in deal while you're at it. Residents of USA, UK, EU, and Canada are eligible to trade in their undamaged projectors for a hefty rebate off the cost of the Aurora Pro MKII.
Even if you're not sure if you qualify for trade-in, feel free to fill out the application form. We want to make sure it's possible for you to experience the difference in person.
Like what we do? Stay tuned for more.
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