Leica Cine Play 1

After the ultra-short-throw Cine 1 launched in 2023, this Cine Play 1 adopts a portable format that can be set up in seconds in any room, from the living room to the patio. The promise: a 4K image with Summicron optics, delivered with the simplicity of a connected TV.

Summicron optics serving sharpness

The Cine Play 1 uses proprietary Summicron optics, designed to produce sharp, clear 4K images. This high-quality glass aspherical lens is the projector’s main differentiating element: during testing, no chromatic aberration or double-edge effect impaired sharpness, with a clean, precise result. The 1.7× motorized zoom covers screen sizes from 65 to 300 inches, while maintaining consistent definition across the entire projected surface.

The 0.9–1.5:1 throw ratio allows a 100-inch image to be displayed at a distance of approximately 3.6 to 4.3 meters. This range offers a degree of installation flexibility, whether the projector is placed on a piece of furniture, on a shelf, or mounted on the optional floor stand.

Triple RGB laser and extended colorimetry

The light source relies on direct triple RGB laser technology, without a color wheel, with a stated lifespan of over 25,000 hours. The projector delivers up to 3000 lumens and covers more than 107% of the Rec.2020 color space. This extended coverage translates into saturated tones and subtle gradients, particularly noticeable on HDR content.

HDR compatibility includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG for broadcast streams. Dolby Vision is supported up to 12-bit, making it possible to fully exploit the most demanding sources. Leica Image Optimization (LIO) processing then refines color gradation and optimizes the contrast ratio — with a native contrast of 1500:1, boosted to 2,000,000:1 in dynamic mode.

While the contrast is satisfactory, it could be improved to deliver deeper blacks. On a white wall or a standard screen, dark scenes will lack density in shadow areas compared with a dedicated home cinema projector. For sessions in ambient light, this drawback becomes secondary thanks to the high brightness.

An aluminum chassis designed for mobility

The one-piece aluminum chassis features a glass front and aluminum rear panel, combining durability with a refined finish. The design, inspired by the Bauhaus movement, remains understated and fits into different interior styles. The projector weighs around 6.7 kg and measures 242 × 261 × 229 mm — a cubic format that fits into a carrying bag.

The supplied case holds the power adapter, power cable, and remote control, making it easy to move between rooms or outdoors. The included tilting base lets you angle the projector up or down without using a third-party stand. The optional floor stand features a pin-contact system that powers the projector without visible cables, for a clean installation.

Automated setup and accessible manual adjustments

At first power-on, the Cine Play 1 automatically calibrates projection by adjusting focus, zoom, and keystone correction. It also takes into account obstacles such as picture frames on the wall. This automation speeds up setup, but it’s not infallible: auto keystone works effectively to obtain a rectangular image, but does not automatically resize the image to the boundaries of a screen. You will sometimes need to combine the “Fit to screen” function with manual readjustment of the zoom or repositioning.

All these automatic settings can be disabled for full manual adjustment. The menus offer advanced calibration tools, including multipoint grayscale curves and a color management system (CMS) for users who want to fine-tune the image.

A connected system running VIDAA

The VIDAA operating system provides access to major streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube. The aluminum remote control has direct-access buttons for these services. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, as well as Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility for streaming from Apple devices.

On the wired side, two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC support) can accommodate a UHD Blu-ray player or a game console, while the two USB 3.0 ports allow direct playback of media files or powering an HDMI dongle. An optical S/PDIF output and a headphone jack complete the connection panel. Smart home integration and voice control via the remote’s microphone add an extra layer of convenience to control the projector without leaving the sofa.

Game mode and fast display

The dedicated game mode reduces latency to under 12 ms in 1080p at 120 Hz, offering notable responsiveness for a projector. Recent consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X can thus be used in good conditions. 4K at 60 Hz compatibility lets you enjoy current game graphics with smooth motion.

For competitive players, especially in online FPS titles, a dedicated gaming monitor will still be preferable. But for occasional sessions or single-player games where latency is less critical, the Cine Play 1 holds its own.

Integrated audio section

The two 10 W speakers, combined with DTS Virtual:X processing, create a wide soundstage that suits impromptu viewing sessions. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible even in action scenes, but bass lacks depth compared with a dedicated home cinema system. The eARC output makes it easy to connect a soundbar or AV receiver for those seeking a more expansive sound.

Quiet operation

The Cine Play 1 stands out for its quiet operation, even at full laser power. Measurements indicate a noise level below 29 dB at a one-meter distance, placing it among the quietest projectors in its category. Silent mode can further reduce this level if needed.

DLP technology and associated phenomena

Like all single-DLP projectors using wobulation (XPR) technology to achieve 4K resolution, the Cine Play 1 can produce rainbow effects that are visible to some people sensitive to this phenomenon. The presence of these effects, typical of DLP projectors, may bother affected viewers. Likewise, speckle can make use with an ALR screen more challenging. Before purchasing, an in-store demo will help you assess your own sensitivity to these artifacts.

Technical specifications

Projection and display

• Projection size: 65 - 300”
• DLP technology: 0.47” XPR
• Native resolution: 3840 × 2160 px (4K)
• Throw ratio: 0.9 - 1.5

Image quality

• Light output: up to 3000 lm (Ultra mode)
• Dynamic contrast: up to 2,000,000:1
• Contrast ratio: up to 1500:1
• Color gamut coverage: Rec. 2020 > 100%
• HDR modes: Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HLG
• 3D mode: yes, DLP Link

Game mode

• Input lag: < 12 ms
• Refresh rate: 1080 px at 120 Hz

Image processing

• LIO™ (Leica Image Optimization): yes
• MEMC: yes

Light source

• Type: direct triple RGB laser
• Lifetime: > 25,000 h

Interfaces

• HDMI: 2 × HDMI 2.1 (1 × eARC-compatible)
• USB: 2 × USB 3.0
• Recording via USB: yes
• LAN: 1 × Ethernet RJ45
• S / PDIF: 1 × optical (Toslink)
• Headphone / audio out: 1 ×
• Physical on / off button: yes

Audio system

• Output power: 2 × 10 W
• Channels: 2.0
• DTS Virtual X®: yes
• Dolby Audio: yes

Smart TV platform

• Operating system: VIDAA U7.6
• Apps: yes, with direct selection buttons on the remote control for Netflix, Prime, Disney, YouTube
• Voice assistant: yes
• Web browser: yes
• Child safety: yes
• OTA software updates: yes

Remote control

• Type: Bluetooth / IR with aluminum housing and microphone
• Voice assistant: yes

Supported file formats

• AV container: AVI, MP4, MKV, TS, FLV
• Video: AVI, WMV, MP4, MOV, MKV, MPG, MPEG, FLV, WebM
• Audio: WMA, WAV, FLAC, MP3
• Image: JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF

Physical and electrical specifications

• Dimensions W × D × H (projector only): 242 × 261 × 229 mm
• Weight (projector only): approx. 6.7 kg
• Power consumption: 180 W in standard mode, 0.5 W in standby
• Mains voltage: 100 V - 240 V

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: +5 °C to +35 °C
• Storage temperature: -20 °C to +65 °C
• Noise emissions: < 29 dB (A) at 1 m distance
• Silent mode: yes