Leica shows a new version of its flagship projector. This time... with a long throw and a much lower price!

Leica – a company primarily associated with astronomically expensive cameras and perfect optics – is increasingly bold in entering the world of projectors. Following last year's debut of the ultra-short-throw Leica Cine Play 1, the manufacturer returns with another model.

And it's one that could significantly shake things up in its class.

Leica Cine Play 1 Plus – classic throw, same quality, significantly lower price

The new Cine Play 1 Plus is no longer an UST standing just a few centimetres from the wall. It is a projector with a more traditional character – throw 0.9–1.5:1, so it must stand further back, but it provides even a 300-inch 4K image if you have a large enough living room.

The specifications are very similar to its predecessor, but in several areas, Leica has made solid upgrades:

• 3,500 CVIA lumens (instead of 3,000),

• 110% coverage of BT.2020 (previously 100%),

• support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+,

• LED lifespan of approx. 25,000 hours.

Inside, there is a prestigious Summicron lens – the kind that Leica mounts in its high-end cameras costing thousands. Additionally, there is a proprietary image processing system and LIO – Leica Optimisation Engine, which enhances colours, contrast, and image naturalness.

Smart features and audio

For image settings, there is a full set of automation: autofocus, fit-to-screen, object avoidance, trapezoidal correction.

The sound is handled by 2×10 W with support for DTS Virtual:X.

The projector runs on the Vidaa system from Hisense – it may not be as popular as Google TV, but it has a full package of essential streaming applications. Connections? HDMI 2.1 with low latency, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay.

Price that can make a difference

Here's the most interesting part: Leica is launching in China with a price that is half as low compared to the UST Cine Play 1. The difference? Gigantic. If Leica maintains a similar policy in Europe, the Cine Play 1 Plus could become one of the most attractive premium projectors in its class.

The global premiere has yet to be confirmed, but looking at the brand's history – it is rather likely to arrive in Europe and the USA sooner rather than later.

The quoted amounts are only indicative — the actual price in a given country may vary due to taxes, margins, exchange rates, and transportation costs.