Leica’s Cine Play 1 Might Be the Coolest Portable Projector, But Pricey

In 2023, Leica, in partnership with Hisense entered the UST projector market with its $9,000 Cine 1. That’s a rather expensive ultra short-throw projector, but it did come with either a 100 or 120-inch ALR screen.

For 2024, Leica has borrowed tech and features from the Cine 1 platform and crammed it into a smaller compact lifestyle projector, the Cine Play 1.

Portable Projection

The compact Leica Cine Play 1 combines laser light source technology with Leica premium imaging quality that supports 4K resolution (via pixel shifting) at up to 300-inch screen sizes. 

With built-in smart functions, innovative solutions and user-friendly features the Cine 1 play is designed to provide a premium home cinema experience for both indoor and outdoor settings — although getting this to work outside on anything larger than 100 inches might be a real task.

The Leica Cine Play 1 incorporates a triple RGB laser light source that supports up to 25,000 hours of use.

With a white light output of up to 3000 ANSI lumens, the Cine 1 Play can display clear and high-contrast images even in rooms with a lot of ambient light.

For added image display support, the Cine 1 Play supports full HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ & HLG) format compatibility; which is rather unusual for a portable projector.

For added image performance, the Cine Play 1 incorporates a Leica Summicron zoom lens, built to standards you would expect from Leica. 

To top off image performance, the Cine Play 1 also includes (Leica Image Optimization – LIO) image processing technology. This employs special image optimization algorithms to ensure natural color rendition, finely nuanced color gradation, and an outstanding contrast ratio.

Audio

Although for the best home theater audio experience, it is best to use an AVR in combination with a surround sound speakers system, that is not always possible or practical, especially with a portable projector. 

To support ease of use and ensure maximum portability, the Cine 1 Play, in addition to providing output for an external audio system, also contains a 2 x 10-watt onboard audio system with integrated DTS Virtual:X processing that provides a more immersive listening experience that you might think. 

Connectivity

In addition to image and sound, the Leica Cine Play 1 also provides both wireless and physical connectivity.

With built-in smart features, users can access and connect right out of the box, provided the Cine Play 1 is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The Cine Play 1 also supports Apple Airplay and Bluetooth. Bluetooth allows streaming from smartphones, laptops, tablets, or other compatible external drives. 

The VIDAA streaming platform provides access to streaming apps, including Netflix. Smart home integration and voice control add further convenience.

Physical input connectivity includes 2 HDMI and 2 USB ports. One HDMI port supports eARC for easy connection to compatible AVRs or soundbars.

Flexibility

The Leica Cine Play 1 is very flexible. By keeping the weight to only 14 pounds, it is easy to carry from place to place and can be set up almost anywhere without any need for permanent installation. 

Integrated automatic alignment functions enable image and focus settings with no need for manual fine-tuning. 

Optional Floor Stand

The Leica Cine Play 1 combines innovative technologies with minimalist design that was inspired by the Bauhaus School. 

To complement the Cine Play 1, Leica offers an attractive and practical floor stand. The floor stand is designed not only to support the technical performance of the projector but also to display the attractiveness of the projector. 

With an integrated, safe, and secure pin contact system in the Floor Stand, the projector requires no visible power cable. Power is supplied through the baseplate of the Floor Stand. The floor stand also allows users to position the Leica Cine Play 1 at an ideal viewing angle.

Comparison

Here is a comparison of the Cine Play 1 with two other compact lifestyle projectors.

The Bottom Line

We were impressed with Leica’s first entry into the projector space, the Cine 1. With exceptional build quality, responsive interface, and let’s not forget, the inclusion of Leica lens and optical technologies, it had something to offer in the projector space. 

For 2024, Leica appears to have taken the next step into the projector space with Cine Play 1. What makes this model different is that instead of being designed for use in stationary higher-end home theater setups, Leica has decided to shake up the lifestyle projector category.

The good thing is that they have managed to cram of lot of what’s great about Cine 1 into a smaller package. There is no issue with light output and practical features, but once again, the Cine Play 1 is on the expensive side. 

The main issue will be pricing — and especially because it was developed in partnership with Hisense that already offers the C2 Ultra ($2,499 at ProjectorScreen) for less.

Does the Leica “secret sauce” make it worth the difference in price?

Price & Availability

The Leica Cine Play 1 is available in selected Leica Stores and from authorized dealers for $3,795. The Leica Floor Stand costs $495.

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