I never saw myself getting a projector. I had a lot of antiquated thoughts about them. I was worried they'd be bulky or loud, I didn't think they'd be able to produce the picture quality I'm used to, and I thought I'd need a screen to get the most out of one. In short, it just seemed like a hassle. Sure, I wasn't crazy about a giant TV taking up most of the space in my living room, but what was my other option?
Luckily, Leica was there to dispel my incorrect notions about projectors. Using its optical lens expertise, the German camera manufacturer has released two incredible options for people interested in home projectors: The Leica Cine 1 and CinePlay 1. I spent a couple of weeks using CinePlay 1 as the center of my household entertainment, and I was blown away by the experience.
High-end technology
Leica introduced its first projector in 1926, building a proud history based on best-in-class optics and sleek aesthetics. Honestly, calling these products "projectors" does them a disservice. Frankly, you can't even call them laser TVs: A laser TV utilizes a laser light source, but doesn't always have a tuner or a triple RGB laser. These are truly cinema TVs that add a luxurious vibe to any living room.
Both the Cine 1 and the CinePlay 1 are ultra-short-throw projectors, so you don't have to set them up across the room to get the full experience. That means no shadows from people crossing in front of the projector, brighter images due to the shorter distance, and a longer lifespan when compared to a lamp projector. The longevity of these items is a huge selling point, as they can last up to ten times longer, with a lifespan of over 25,000 hours.
One of my concerns in using a television without a screen was the sharpness of the image. My experience put those worries to rest. Everything was in crystal-clear 4K, with incredible quality and more colors than competitor projectors. And with Dolby Atmos surround sound, the audio was spot on.
Both of these projectors are ideal for true home theater enthusiasts. They support Dolby Vision with dynamic metadata, which makes the tone mapping even more accurate. They also can display over 100% of the Rec. 2020 color standard, something that no TV on the market can currently offer. Those factors elevate the visual experience to new heights of accuracy, even going beyond high-end TVs.
Another great thing about these cinema TVs is that they fit in any location. I've got a pretty homey vibe in my house, but the projector's sleek Bauhaus-style architectural design worked just as well among my cozy, passed-down furniture as it would in a chrome-filled studio apartment. The aluminum housing offers a classic look that will complement any aesthetic you're working with.
All-in-one
These machines are also equipped with comprehensive smart functions. When setting up the CinePlay 1, it was easy to log into all my accounts and start watching in minutes. Between the Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and LAN connections, I was able to access my video game consoles and sound system. Just like any full-featured smart TV, it was plug-and-play.
Getting my hands on the CinePlay 1 really encouraged me to think outside of the screen. It was simple to install in my living room, but I wanted to see how it would operate outside of a controlled environment. I called up a friend with a two-story house to see if she'd be willing to host a movie night. She was more than happy to serve as a research assistant for this article.
I packed up the CinePlay 1 and its accompanying base. I connected it to my laptop, and we were streaming in minutes. We had to wait longer for the popcorn to be ready than we did for me to set everything up.
Installation was a breeze, but I was blown away by the clarity of the picture at such a large size. Thanks to the high-quality Leica Summicron zoom lens, my friend's backyard felt like the drive-in. We maxed out the playing size at 300 inches, and we were catching details we never would have noticed if we were watching on a traditional TV.
Leica has been making lenses for over 100 years, and the brand's expertise has never been clearer than with these projectors. I had a truly immersive experience, from outdoor movie nights to gorgeously displayed video game graphics. Don't settle for the limits of your TV screen. Leica can take you further.
