Leica might be legendary for its high-end cameras but the German firm has also shown that it’s more than capable of extending its range to the likes of binoculars, wristwatches, and even projectors. Back in 2022, they unveiled their first of the latter with the ultra-short throw Cine 1 laser projector, which is now able to give you up to a 120-inch projection from mere inches away from the wall. However, these can cost you around $9,500 if you want the best of the best.
Now, Leica has a unit that’s less than half of the cost, although you’ll have to keep it farther away from your screen or wall. It’s called the Cine Play 1, and it does some things that the premium models don’t.
What On Earth Would I Need a Projector For?
For those who already have a beloved TV set up in their house, it might be hard to imagine why they would need a projector. However, one of these devices can be a beneficial alternative to your standard setup. For one, you can adjust your 4K screen to the proper size of your room or the group of people watching (this is especially beneficial for playing multi-player video games). A projected image is also much easier on your eyes thanks to the lack of blue light on the display since you’re not looking directly at the screen itself.
If that’s not enough, you could also watch movies outside, drive-in style, just like the couple in the Leica press imagery.
Leica Cine Play 1 Basics
Using compactness as a main selling point, the Cine Play 1 can get you 4K resolution at an impressive 300” diagonally, and from a box that’s just 10.3” x 9.5” x 9” in size. Typically, the larger the screen size, the lower the resolution will become. However, you can also bring this down to 65” with equal resolution.
Utilizing triple RGB laser technology and Leica Image Optimization for color and contrast balance, the 14.7-pound unit achieves a 3,000-lumen brightness and is even designed to operate in brightly lit settings. One downside of cheaper projectors is they require all the lights to be dimmed. With built-in WiFi, you can also play shows and movies through your favorite streaming services.
You also don’t need any external speakers with the pair of 10-watt units that boast “rich bass tones and crystal-clear sound” to go along with the DTS Virtual:X audio-signal processing technology for a surround-sound experience. Featuring automatic image alignment, the Cine Play 1 also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG and has a service life of over 25,000 hours.
Spec Sheet
Model: Cine Play 1
Resolution: 4K
Projection Size: 65” to 300”
Max Lumens: 3,000
Connectivity: WiFi
Dimensions: 10.3” x 9.5” x 9”
Weight: 14.7lbs
Pricing & Availability
Available at select Leica stores and soon available on the company’s website, the Cine Play 1 projector is priced at $3,795. And if you don’t have a countertop to set the projector on, you can also purchase a tripod stand from Leica for an additional $495.
Recap
Leica Cine Play 1 Projector
Leica debuts a compact 4K projector with a 300-inch max screen and a price tag that’s more than half of the brand’s ultra-short throw models.
