In response to a number industrial partnershipsimage giant Leica announced its own smart projector in 2022. Now the company has followed suit ultra short throw laser TV with a compact audiovisual treat designed for “maximum flexibility and cinema feeling in Leica premium image quality.”
At the heart of the Cine Play 1 is an ‘innovative’ RGB laser light source that can reportedly produce 3,000 ANSI lumens, which Leica says will be enough for ‘bright and high-contrast film projection even in brightly lit environments’ – although a darkened room still produces the best results.
The projector can produce 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) images up to 300 diagonal inches at a projection ratio of 0.9-1.5:1, while Leica’s proprietary image processing technology uses optimization algorithms to deliver “natural color reproduction, finely nuanced color gradations and a excellent contrast ratio.”
Leica describes the Cine Play 1 as compact and portable, although it does not have an internal battery so it must be placed near a power source
Leica
The initial contrast is given as 1,500:1, but the dynamic contrast increases that to 2 million:1. The laser projector offers 100% coverage of the BT.2020 color space and can play Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG content. Being a Leica model it also benefits from a high quality Summicron zoom lens.
There are also auto-alignment features built in, which aren’t specified but will likely include things like keystone correction and screen adjustment. However, although the Cine Play 1 is compact and portable, it does not have a built-in battery, so care must be taken to ensure there is a power socket nearby during installation. An optional floor stand helps position the device at just the right height. and features a pin contact system for power “delivered discreetly through the base plate.”
The connectivity suite starts with Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6, with support for Apple Airplay and screen sharing, as well as access to popular streaming apps (including Netflix) via the VIDAA interface. There’s even an included web browser. The projector can also be integrated into Smart Home networks and voice search is also available via the BT remote control.
If you prefer wired stability, the device also supports Ethernet LAN. Cabling to media sources is via HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which features eARC for integration into a home theater audio setup, plus a pair of USB 3.0 ports.
“The premium image quality is supported by Leica’s own image processing technology (Leica Image Optimization – LIO), which uses special image optimization algorithms to ensure particularly natural color reproduction, finely nuanced color gradations and an excellent contrast ratio”
Leica
Movie soundtracks sound through a built-in 15W dual-speaker sound system, with support for immersive DTS Virtual:X processing. But if you prefer to send your audio to an external system, both optical and analog outputs are provided.
The projector measures 242 x 261 x 229 mm (10.3 x 9.5 x 9 inches) and tips the scales at 6.7 kg (14.7 lb). And all this high-quality Leica goodness is packaged in a tasteful aluminum/glass housing, inspired by the Bauhaus school.
As you’d expect from a Leica product, the entry price isn’t at the low end of the smart projector market. The Cine Play 1 costs $3,795. The video below has more.
Leica Cineplay 1
Product page: Leica Cineplay 1