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 Summicron-engineered 4K image, delivered with the simplicity of a smart TV.

A Summicron lens for sharpness

The Cine Play 1 uses a proprietary Summicron lens, designed to produce sharp, clear 4K images. This high-quality aspherical glass lens is the projector’s key differentiator: during testing, no chromatic aberration or double-edge effect compromised sharpness, resulting in a clean and precise image. 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 to 1.5:1 throw ratio allows a 100-inch image to be displayed from a distance of approximately 3.6 to 4.3 meters. This range provides a degree of installation flexibility, whether the projector is placed on a piece of furniture, set on a shelf, or mounted on the optional floor stand.

Triple RGB laser and extended color gamut

The light source is based 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 results in saturated hues and subtle gradations, particularly visible in HDR content.

HDR compatibility includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG for broadcast streams. Dolby Vision is supported up to 12 bits, enabling full use of the most demanding sources. Leica Image Optimization (LIO) processing then refines color gradation and optimizes the contrast ratio — a native contrast ratio of 1500:1, increased to 2,000,000:1 in dynamic mode.

Although satisfactory, contrast could be improved to deliver deeper blacks. On a white wall or standard screen, dark scenes will lack density in shadow areas compared with a dedicated home theater projector. For viewing sessions in ambient light, this characteristic becomes less important thanks to the high brightness.

An aluminum chassis designed for mobility

The unibody aluminum housing features a glass front panel and an aluminum rear panel, combining durability with a refined finish. The Bauhaus-inspired design remains understated and blends into different interior styles. The projector weighs approximately 6.7 kg and measures 242 × 261 × 229 mm — a cubic format that fits in a carrying bag.

The supplied case contains the power adapter, power cable and remote control, making it easy to move between rooms or take outdoors. The included tilting base allows the projector to be aimed upward or downward without requiring a third-party mount. The optional floor stand incorporates a pin-contact system that powers the projector without a visible cable, for a clean installation.

Automated setup and accessible manual adjustments

When first powered on, the Cine Play 1 automatically calibrates the projection by adjusting focus, zoom and keystone correction. It also takes obstacles such as frames hanging on the wall into account. This automation speeds up setup, but it is not foolproof: auto keystone works effectively to achieve a rectangular image, but does not automatically resize the image to the boundaries of a screen. It may sometimes be necessary to combine the “Fit to Screen” function with manual readjustment of the zoom or positioning.

All these automatic settings can be disabled for complete 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 the main streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube. The aluminum remote control features 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 (including one eARC-compatible port) accommodate a UHD Blu-ray player or game console, while the two USB 3.0 ports enable direct playback of multimedia files or power for an HDMI dongle. An optical S/PDIF output and headphone jack complete the connection panel. Smart home integration and voice control via the remote’s microphone add an extra layer of convenience for operating the projector without leaving the sofa.

Game mode and fast display

The dedicated game mode reduces latency to less than 12 ms at 1080p and 120 Hz, offering notable responsiveness for a projector. Recent consoles such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X can therefore be used in good conditions. 4K compatibility at 60 Hz allows smooth enjoyment of today’s game graphics.

For competitive players, especially in online FPS games, a dedicated gaming display will remain preferable. But for occasional sessions or single-player games where latency is not critical, the Cine Play 1 holds its own.

Integrated audio section

The two 10 W speakers, combined with DTS Virtual:X processing, create an expanded soundstage suitable for impromptu viewing sessions. Dialogue remains clear and intelligible even in action scenes, but bass lacks depth compared with a dedicated home theater system. The eARC output makes it easy to connect a soundbar or AV receiver for those seeking a fuller 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 distance of one meter, placing it among the quietest projectors in its category. Silent mode can reduce this level even further if necessary.

DLP technology and associated phenomena

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

Technical specifications

Image and projection

• Projection size: 65 to 300 inches (165 to 762 cm)
• Projection distance: 1.3 to 10 m
• Throw ratio: 0.9 to 1.5:1
• Optical zoom: 1.6×
• Resolution: Ultra HD 4K, 3840 × 2160 pixels
• Projection technology: DLP with 0.47” XPR chip
• Light source: triple RGB laser
• Brightness: up to 3000 lumens in Ultra mode
• Contrast
  • Dynamic: up to 2000000:1
  • Native: up to 1500:1
• Color space: over 100% Rec.2020 coverage
• Refresh rate: 4K at 60 Hz, Full HD at 120 Hz
• Ceiling installation: inverted image mode available

Image processing

• Geometric correction: 9-point adjustment with automatic function
• Obstacle detection
• Leica Image Optimization (LIO)
• MEMC motion compensation
• 4K upscaling
• HDR compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG
• IMAX Enhanced certification
• Filmmaker Mode
• Cinema modes
• Video decoding: HEVC (H.265), VP9, H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VC-1 and MVC
• 3D: compatible with DLP Link, 3D glasses sold separately

Game Mode

• Latency: under 12 ms at 1080p and 120 Hz
• Input lag optimization down to 12 ms

Wired connectivity

• HDMI: 2 × HDMI 2.1
• HDMI eARC: 1 compatible input
• Multimedia USB: 2 × USB 3.0
• Optical output: 1 × S / PDIF
• Audio output: 1 × 3.5 mm jack
• Ethernet: 1 × RJ45
• USB recording

Wireless connectivity

• Wi-Fi 6E
• Wi-Fi standards: IEEE 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Apple AirPlay compatible
• Mirroring: wireless screen sharing

Smart TV

• Operating system: VIDAA U7.6
• Voice assistants: Alexa and VIDAA Voice
• Built-in web browser
• Media player: video, audio and photo
• App store
• Apps directly accessible from the remote control: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube
• Parental controls
• OTA updates

Audio

• Power: 2 × 10 W
• Configuration: 2.0
• Technologies: DTS Virtual:X® and Dolby Audio
• Audio modes: Standard, Cinema, Music, Voice, Night and Sport

Remote control

• Technology: Bluetooth / infrared
• Aluminum housing
• Built-in microphone
• Voice control

Compatible formats

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

Power data

• Power supply: 120–240 V, 50–60 Hz
• Power consumption
  • In operation: 180 W
  • Standby: ≤ 0.5 W
• Laser source lifespan: 25000 hours
• Automatic eye protection
• Physical on / off switch

Operating conditions

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

Included accessories

• 1 voice remote control
• 2 AAA batteries

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 242 × 261 × 229 mm
• Weight: approximately 6.7 kg