Leica Cine Compact 1 4K Laser Projector

The Leica Cine Compact 1 is a compact 4K UHD home cinema projector with a triple RGB laser light source that projects images up to 220 inches onto any bare wall – no screen required. For a company that's stood for optics for over a hundred years, this is no side project: Leica brings its lens expertise to a standalone home cinema device for the first time, and you can tell straight away from the picture.

Why this particular projector? Because it pulls off the trick of feeling large without being large. 4.4 kilograms, a footprint barely bigger than a ring binder – and yet a picture that makes classic living-room projectors in this price range look outdated. The 360° rotating stand lets you project onto the ceiling, the wall, or at an angle into the garden, with no structural debate with your ceiling required.

What you'll see

With up to 1,700 lumens, 4K UHD resolution, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, the Cine Compact 1 visibly gets more out of every source than an ordinary living-room projector. DLP technology with a 0.47-inch chip delivers a clean, sharp 4K picture, and the triple RGB laser delivers rich colours with no colour-wheel rainbow effect – and with a lifespan of over 25,000 hours, you'll have this longer than you probably plan on staying in this flat. Two built-in 2×10-watt speakers with Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X deliver surprisingly full sound for a device this size – for the big home cinema moment, though, it's still worth a look at a soundbar or AV receiver (see "Goes well with").

Gamers get their money's worth too: in Game mode the latency is 20 milliseconds at most, and you get 4K at 60 Hz or 2K at up to 240 Hz – a picture that won't get in your console's way.

Who it's for (straight talk)

The Cine Compact 1 is for anyone who doesn't have a home cinema room but still wants a big-screen experience: a studio flat, a living room with changing uses, a holiday home, or a garden on warm summer evenings. VIDAA as the operating system brings Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube straight to the device, with no extra streaming stick needed. Straight talk: if you're planning a permanently installed home cinema with a screen and reference sound, you'd be better off with a dedicated lamp or laser projector with higher brightness for very large, very bright rooms. The Compact 1 is the projector for anyone who values flexibility over maximum performance – and at that, it's hard to beat.

Our verdict

Here at HD Zürisee, we rarely see a device that combines compactness and picture quality so convincingly. Leica hasn't just slapped its logo on an interchangeable projector here, but developed a device that even connoisseurs take seriously. Honestly: for the price of a good TV, you get a picture that makes any 65-inch TV look outdated.

Questions about placement in your room, the right screen, or how it works with your existing system? Call us, write to us, or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – our team will advise you on how the Cine Compact 1 fits into your home.

Technical data

• Light source: direct triple RGB laser, lifespan over 25,000 hours
• Resolution: 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K UHD), DLP 0.47" Pico DMD
• Brightness: up to 1,700 lumens (Ultra Mode)
• Contrast: up to 1,500:1
• Colour gamut: over 100% BT.2020
• Throw ratio: 1.0–1.3:1 (optical), 1.3–3.2:1 (digital)
• Image size: 60–220 inches
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
• Image processing: Leica Image Optimization (LIO), MEMC
• Refresh rate: 4K at 60 Hz, 2K at 120 Hz and 240 Hz
• Latency: ≤ 20 ms in Game mode, ≤ 60 ms in all other modes
• 3D: yes (DLP Link, active shutter)
• Speakers: 2 × 10 watts, Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual:X
• Connections: 1× HDMI 2.1 (eARC), 1× USB-A 3.0 – no LAN, no optical output, no headphone output
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.4, screen mirroring
• Operating system: VIDAA, with Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, AirPlay, voice control (VIDAA Voice) and parental controls
• Remote control: aluminium, Bluetooth/IR, with microphone
• Media formats (USB): video MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, MPG, FLV, WebM; audio FLAC, WAV, MP3, WMA; images JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF
• Noise level: < 29 dB(A), with quiet mode
• Operating temperature: +5 °C to +40 °C
• Power consumption: 120W (operation), 0.5W (standby)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 209 × 226 × 193 mm
• Weight: approx. 4.4 kg
• Warranty: 3 years (Switzerland)
• What's included: projector with 360° rotating stand, remote control, power cable

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Leica Cine Compact 1 without a screen?

Yes. The Cine Compact 1 projects sharp 4K images directly onto bright, smooth walls – a screen isn't strictly necessary. For maximum colour accuracy and contrast at larger image sizes, we still recommend a dedicated projector screen, and we're happy to advise you on that.

How large can the projected image get?

The Cine Compact 1 projects image diagonals from 60 to 220 inches at an optical throw ratio of 1.0 to 1.3:1. For a sharp, bright 4K image in typical living rooms, around 100 to 120 inches is recommended. For that, the projector sits roughly 2.2 to 2.9 metres (100 inches) or 2.7 to 3.5 metres (120 inches) from the wall.

Do I need additional speakers?

The built-in 2×10-watt speakers with Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X sound surprisingly full for the device's size and are enough for relaxed movie nights. For a true home cinema feel with surround sound, we recommend a soundbar or an AV receiver with speakers. You output the sound via the HDMI connection with eARC – the projector has no optical or headphone output.

Does the projector support streaming services directly, without an external stick?

Yes. The built-in VIDAA operating system brings Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube straight to the device. AirPlay lets you additionally mirror content from iPhone, iPad, and Mac – an external streaming stick isn't necessary, but can be used in addition.

Does the Leica Floor Stand 1 fit the Cine Compact 1?

Yes. The Leica Floor Stand 1 fits the Cine Compact 1, and the necessary adapter piece is included with the projector. Power runs through the stand, so there's no visible cable at the projector. Important: only use the Cine Compact 1's own power supply – the Cine Play 1's power supply has the same plug, but a different current rating.

What warranty applies to the Leica Cine Compact 1 in Switzerland?

The Leica Cine Compact 1 comes with a 3-year warranty in Switzerland. If you have a technical problem, contact us or the Leica service centre Switzerland directly (Telion AG, Schlieren, phone +41 44 732 17 05). Have your purchase receipt with the device's serial number ready, and it will go fastest.

Why buy the Leica Cine Compact 1 at HD Zürisee?

As an experienced team, we advise you on whether and how the Cine Compact 1 fits your room, which screen suits it, and how it can be combined with your existing system. Plus delivery, on-site installation, and personal support from our technician.

Goes well with

For the right cinema sound: soundbars or an AV receiver with surround speakers from our range. For connecting to the source: HDMI cables in the right length – cable clutter unfortunately doesn't disappear on its own. For free-standing placement in the room: the Leica Floor Stand 1 under home cinema accessories.