The Leica Cine Play 1 compact projector is a 4k DLP model equipped with a very bright (3000 lumens) RGB triple laser lamp. It benefits from an aspheric glass lens, something the German manufacturer specializes in, to magnify the precision and sharpness of 4K images. Dolby Vision and HDR10+, streaming, HDMI and USB, Dolby and DTS sound, low latency in gaming mode: this high-end laser projector designed for both living rooms and hoe theaters has it all. Priced at €3,490, is the Leica Cine Play 1 worth the investment?
Included accessories
The Leica Cine Play 1 and its accessories are presented in a stylish cardboard box that accentuates the premium nature of this projector.
This projector also comes with an elegant RF remote control (batteries included) and a separate mains adapter, housed in their own dedicated case.
For this review, the manufacturer also sent us the Leica Cine Play 1’s floor stand, which is sold separately (€395).
Presentation
Designed in partnership with Hisense, the Leica Cine Play 1 projector incorporates the main features of the Hisense C2 Ultra in a chassis inspired by that of the Hisense C1, but mounted on a tilting base. The projector is equipped with a high-performance aspheric glass lens, one of the German manufacturer’s areas of expertise. The Leica Cine Play 1 also incorporates Leica Image Optimization (LIO) proprietary image processing, benefiting from Leica’s years of experience in digital image optimization.
The Cine Play 1 features a 3,000-lumen triple-laser RGB lamp and covers a wide color space. The manufacturer claims 100% coverage of BT2020, the reference gamut for ultra-high definition. We can therefore expect 4K HDR images with extremely realistic hues. The laser technology also offers excellent color stability over its lifetime, estimated to last at least 25,000 hours.
In addition to providing access to the main streaming services via WiFi, this projector also features two HDMI ports (one of which is eARC compatible) to connect a 4K Blu-ray player or video game console. Its two USB ports ensure playback of the most common multimedia file formats, including 4K HDR. Finally, this Leica projector features a 2 x 10-watt stereo audio system, compatible with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X.
Key specifications
- Image resolution: Ultra HD 4K (3,840 x 2,160)
- Image size: 65″ to 300″ (1.64 to 7.6m)
- Throw distance: 1.3m to 10m
- Aspheric lens in Leica Summicron glass
- Brightness: 3,000 lumens
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR 10, HLG
- IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode
- 12ms 1080p 120Hz game mode
- Integrated streaming services
- Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X stereo sound
Test conditions
We tested this projector at the Son-Vidéo.com store in Nantes, projecting first onto one of the auditorium’s white walls, then onto a Lumene projection screen in the store’s cinema room. For the purposes of this test, we connected the Panasonic DMP-UB820 UHD Blu-ray player and a PlayStation 5 using a NorStone Jura HDMI Optic cable.
In both environments, setting up the Leica projector was quick and easy. Once placed on a piece of furniture or a table, or mounted on its optional floor stand, simply turn it on and point it towards the projection area, and it automatically adjusts the image. The Leica Cine Play 1 adjusts image size in the event of an obstacle (e.g. a frame on the wall) and offers keystone correction before adjusting the focus, all automatically. It can also position the image within the limits of a projection screen. All these automatic adjustments can be deactivated if you wish to perform them manually.
The Leica Cine Play 1 automatically adjusts the image geometry and focuses without any intervention from the user.
During our test, we noted a certain sluggishness on the part of the projector, which was a little slow to launch automatic adjustments when the image is moved. This isn’t a problem, but it doesn’t match the responsiveness of the C2 Ultra (AutoMagic function) or the almost instantaneous adjustments of Xgimi projectors (ISA 5.0 technology).
Installation tips for the Leica Cine Play 1
In practice, we recommend letting the device automatically manage the image settings when projecting onto a bedroom or living room wall, especially when it’s difficult or impossible to position the projector perfectly opposite the screen. The Leica overcomes these constraints very effectively.
For a permanent home theater installation, however, we recommend careful placement of the projector to avoid having to use the keystone correction, which inevitably leads to a loss of definition. What’s more, if you’re projecting onto a screen, it’s best to manually adjust the image so that it fits more precisely into the frame than with the automatic mode, which is slightly less precise. In all situations, the autofocus works perfectly.
Our impressions
Premium design and flawless ergonomics
The German manufacturer’s commitment to excellence is evident from the very first contact with the Leica Cine Play 1. Its premium design uses high-end materials, just like the brand’s prestigious ultra-short-throw projector.
Made of aluminum, the chassis is perforated on the sides to ensure ventilation of the internal components and allow sound diffusion via the integrated drivers. The upper part features the red Leica logo and an on/off button. This is the only control button on the projector, which can be operated entirely by remote control.
More compact than the remote of the Leica Cine 1, it features an attractive metal finish. It has all the buttons needed for menu navigation, plus three direct-access buttons for adjusting the picture mode, sound mode and focus. Volume control, laser brightness and several buttons for direct access to the main streaming services are also present. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has omitted key backlighting.
Standard tilting base and optional floor stand
The body of the projector rests on a tilting base, also in aluminum, allowing it to be tilted up and down. The finish and assembly are exemplary. Despite its weight of 6.7kg, the Leica Cine Play 1 is easy to move and tilt back and forth. Movements are perfectly smooth, with just the right amount of resistance to maintain the position once adjusted.
If desired, you can purchase the optional floor stand specifically designed by Leica for this projector. It integrates the power connector and is installed in place of the original base. Assembly takes just a few seconds, thanks to the included tools and screws.
Lens and connectors
The front of the projector has a glossy black finish, which is highly sensitive to fingerprints! It houses the sensors dedicated to automatic image adjustment, as well as the lens. The aspheric lens is made entirely of high-quality glass, in accordance with the manufacturer’s strict specifications. The result is an extremely precise image, free from chromatic aberrations and uniformity issues.
With the exception of the power connector integrated into the rear of the stand, the connectors are situated on the rear panel of the chassis, at the top. They include two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which is eARC-compatible, two USB 3.0 multimedia ports, two audio outputs (optical and mini-jack) and an Ethernet connector.
Finally, the first thing that strikes you when you switch on this projector is its extremely low noise level during operation. The whirring of the fans is almost inaudible, and is easily masked by the soundtrack of the film or video game. This is without doubt one of the quietest projectors we’ve tested to date!
Smart TV features
The partnership with Hisense is expressed not only in the TriChroma DLP laser projection technology, but also in the Leica projector’s adoption of the Vidaa operating system. This allows it to access major streaming and SVOD services such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, AppleTV+, Canal+, Paramount+, TF1+, YouTube and many more.
The Vidaa interface is fluid and responsive. As with Google TV, Tizen and Fire TV, recent content and recommendations are displayed directly on the home page, which can be customized.
The Leica Cine Play 1 also incorporates a USB media player that supports the majority of video file formats, including 4K HDR, with Dolby and DTS audio tracks.
Which picture mode should you choose?
The Leica Cine Play 1 projector is capable of delivering an exceptional image, provided you choose the right picture mode. On 4K HDR programs, we preferred the IMAX mode, which is very well calibrated by default.
We left the laser brightness at maximum (10) for daytime projection in the auditorium of the Nantes store. In the dark cinema room, however, we set it to 7 to improve contrast and black depth. We also recommend setting the motion compensation function to “Film” mode. This effectively limits judder, especially on tracking shots, which remain perfectly smooth, while preserving the cinematic look of the image (no “camcorder” effect). Also, we recommend avoiding the Brightness Enhancement function (Image > Image Mode Settings > Advanced Settings > Brightness), to avoid the pronounced greenish color drift. Finally, we preferred to disable the various noise reduction modes.
Crisp, detailed 4K images
From the very first images we saw, we were thrilled. Firstly, by the sharpness and precision of the image, then by the extremely natural colors and the effective HDR management. On the 4K HDR Blu-rays of the films Top Gun: Maverick and Ford v Ferrari, the Leica Cine Play 1 was amazing. The image had incredible definition, with sharpness and precision worthy of Sony SXRD and JVC D-ILA native 4K projectors!
We were just as impressed as when we tested the Leica Cine 1, and this new projector confirms all the good things we already thought about DLP projection technology. Combined with Leica’s premium-quality lens, which guarantee perfect transmission of the light flux to the screen, the result is an extremely detailed, razor-sharp image across the entire surface.
Rich, natural colors
The combination of triple RGB laser and LIO (Leica Image Optimization) image processing ensures rich, nuanced colors, with extremely natural hues. Whether we were in the cockpit of Maverick’s F/A-18 Super Hornet or Ken Miles’ Ford GT40 Mk II, we were blown away by the realism of the image. The heroes’ faces, in particular, benefited from incredible realism: the slightest nuances of complexion, skin pores, wrinkles and fine lines were perfectly visible on the screen. The sets and costumes were also particularly authentic, enhancing immersion.
Contrast was satisfactory, although we would have appreciated even greater black depth. HDR content was very convincing, with a subtly nuanced grayscale, from the lowest to the highest highlights.
However, perfection doesn’t exist, and this Leica Cine Play 1 projector suffers from a fairly common flaw in DLP projectors: the appearance of rainbow effects for viewers who are sensitive to them. We noticed this on several occasions, mainly on very bright elements of the image standing out against a dark background and moving rapidly. This phenomenon was also sometimes seen on subtitles. Unfortunately, those who are the most sensitive to this phenomenon cannot avoid it.
Impressive smoothness in Gaming mode
The Leica Cine Play 1 is ideal for console and PC gaming, in 4K up to 60Hz and Full HD up to 120Hz. It features a game mode that reduces latency to less than 12ms in 1080p 120Hz, ensuring good responsiveness with the controller in hand. Game-specific settings are grouped together in a dedicated bar, which is superimposed at the bottom of the screen at the touch of a button on the remote control.
During this test, we were able to appreciate the projector’s excellent image fluidity and responsiveness with the PlayStation 5, whether we were completing several laps of the track in our favorite GT car (Gran Turismo 7) or roaming the streets of Harlem as Spider-Man (Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales).
Clear, dynamic sound
The Leica Cine Play 1 features a stereo audio system powered by 2 x 10-watt amplification. Despite the absence of a driver dedicated to low frequencies, the sound was dynamic and impactful enough to immerse us in the action. Dialogue remained perfectly clear and audible.
Selecting the Cinema mode broadens the sound and provides a beautiful stereo image. It’s a far cry from the immersion offered by a soundbar or a wireless home theater, but the result is still very convincing.
Leica Cine Play 1 vs Hisense C2 Ultra
There are many similarities between these two projectors, starting with the swing base, the use of DLP XPR 4K technology combined with a TriChroma RGB laser light source, and the Vidaa operating system.
However, the C2 Ultra is distinguished by its swivel and tilt stand, which incorporates a driver bass unit for greater impact on soundtracks. It is also quicker to make automatic adjustments. Furthermore, rainbow effects are virtually non-existent with the Hisense.
Although it doesn’t swivel on its stand and is slower to automatically adjust the image, the Cine Play 1 makes up for it with its premium design and, above all, its exceptional image quality. We can’t stress this enough: in projection, good lenses are essential to get the best image. This necessarily increases the cost of the projector, as we can see with this Leica model, and more generally with high-end projectors (notably from Epson, JVC and Sony), but it’s well worth the extra cost.
The €500 price difference between the C2 Ultra and the Leica Cine Play 1 seems totally justified, as the aspheric lens of the Leica transform the quality of the projected image.
Who is the Leica Cine Play 1 designed for?
This high-end 4K DLP projector will appeal to discerning movie buffs, lovers of versatile home theater systems and passionate gamers. With its brightness of 3,000 lumens, aspheric glass lens and Leica Image Optimization image processing, it offers an exceptional visual experience. Priced at €3,490, it will appeal primarily to those ready to invest in quality audiovisual equipment.
Conclusion
The Leica Cine Play 1 impressed us with its outstanding image quality, with sharpness and precision worthy of the best native 4K projectors, as well as extremely natural colors. Its premium design, meticulous ergonomics and silent operation also contribute to its appeal. This versatile projector offers an immersive cinema experience, practical smart TV features and excellent gaming performance.
However, this projector is not without its faults. Contrast, though satisfactory, could be improved to offer deeper blacks. In addition, the presence of rainbow effects, typical of DLP projectors, is likely to annoy viewers sensitive to this phenomenon.
Despite these few drawbacks, the Leica Cine Play 1 is well worth the investment, offering exceptional image quality and a premium user experience. There’s no doubt that this projector will appeal to film lovers and home theater enthusiasts in search of excellence.
We liked
- The beautiful design
- The image definition and sharpness
- The accurate colors
- The efficient HDR management
- The silent operation
We would have liked
- Fewer rainbow effects
- Deeper blacks
- A backlit remote control
- A wider soundstage
I’ve just received mine. It’s amazing.
But British readers might want to note that the VIDAA system does not include any of the major UK streaming/catch-up services: the BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and the equivalent Channel 4 and 5 services are all unavailable. Of course, you can plug in a dongle. But for a projector costing £3000 and claiming to be a portable, all-in-one solution, this seems to be a pretty serious omission.