Leica has launched the Cine Play 1 Plus, an upgraded version of its compact 4K smart projector. The company says the new model is brighter and offers more contrast than its predecessor. It is rated at up to 4,200 ANSI lumens in Ultra mode.
Leica Smart Projection GmbH, a subsidiary of Leica Camera AG, makes the projector. The sections below cover its optics, setup, software, design, price and availability.
About this compact 4k smart projector
Brightness, optics and contrast
ANSI lumens are a standardized unit for measuring projector brightness. Leica rates the Plus at up to 4,200 ANSI lumens, and the figure applies to Ultra mode only.
Newly developed laser diodes drive the brightness. The projector uses a triple RGB laser system, which combines red, green and blue lasers as its light source. Leica pairs it with its proprietary Leica Image Optimization (LIO) processing and a Leica Summicron zoom lens.
The lens projects images from 65 to 300 inches, according to Leica.
Contrast is rated at 2,000:1. The company says the Plus has improved contrast over its predecessor. Leica says the higher ratio shows more detail in dark areas, and that the brighter output suits rooms that are not fully dark.
Setup and portability
Automatic image alignment and focus adjustment handle most of the setup. Leica says the projector delivers a “perfectly aligned image in a matter of seconds.”
Macfilos says the release does not mention a battery, and the original also needed mains power. Leica positions the unit as a home projector for use in the living room, on a terrace or in a garden.
Leica’s design sensibility also shows up in its cameras, including the carbon-fiber Leica Q3 43 Formula 1 Edition unveiling for readers curious about the brand’s racing-inspired styling.
Software, apps and connections
The Plus runs VIDAA 9.6, the smart TV system from Hisense. Leica says the software provides more than 400 pre-installed apps, including Netflix and Disney+, along with free TV channels.
Leica also lists voice control, gaming features and a Kids Zone.
Wireless sources connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay. Wired devices connect through HDMI, USB and LAN ports. The projector works with Apple Home and Control4 smart home systems.
Built-in speakers support Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X for spatial audio. Leica says the sound fills a room without a separate sound system.
For anyone weighing projector upgrades, this AWOL Valerion firmware update for 4K UHD projectors shows how software changes can add flexibility long after purchase.
Design, stand and carrying case
The housing is a single piece of aluminium with a glass front and an aluminium rear panel. Leica describes the look as Bauhaus-inspired. The company says the construction helps heat dissipation.
The optional Leica Floor Stand 1 uses an integrated pin-contact system to deliver power without visible cables. What Hi-Fi gives £370 and AU$790.
The projector ships with a carrying case made of expanded polypropylene (EPP). Leica calls the material fully recyclable and says the case protects the projector during storage and transport.
Price, availability and the original model
Leica’s recommended retail price is £2,550 in the UK and €2,995 in Europe, including VAT. The projector is sold through Leica Stores and authorized TV, hi-fi and home cinema retailers in the UK, Europe and selected Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia.
Transcontinenta Group is Leica’s distributor in the Netherlands and Ireland. The projector is sold at selected Leica Stores and from authorized TV, hi-fi and home cinema retailers.
On that comparison, the Plus costs £400 less than the original’s UK launch price.
The brightness and contrast figures come from Leica’s own specifications. A test in a living room will show how the projector performs against those claims, and whether its price holds the advantage over the original.
Via petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the Leica Cine Play 1 Plus projector?
The Leica Cine Play 1 Plus is rated at up to 4,200 ANSI lumens. That rating applies only to its Ultra mode, according to Leica’s specifications.
What image sizes can the Leica Cine Play 1 Plus project?
The Leica Cine Play 1 Plus can project images from 65 to 300 inches, according to Leica. It uses a Leica Summicron zoom lens to do so.
How much does the Leica Cine Play 1 Plus cost in the UK?
Leica’s recommended retail price for the Cine Play 1 Plus is £2,550 in the UK. In Europe, the recommended price is €2,995, including VAT.
What operating software does the Leica Cine Play 1 Plus use?
The Cine Play 1 Plus runs VIDAA 9.6, the smart TV system from Hisense. Leica says it provides more than 400 pre-installed apps, including Netflix and Disney+.
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