If you're looking to create a high-end home theater experience, ultra short throw (UST) 4K laser projectors represent some of the most exciting technology available today. I've spent considerable time testing both the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and Leica Cine 1 ($9,495), and I'm here to help you understand which might be right for your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This is achieved through sophisticated optics and laser technology that projects the image at an extremely steep angle.
Think of it like this: while a standard projector might need 10-15 feet of space to create a 100-inch image, these UST projectors can do it from just 1-2 feet away. This makes them perfect for rooms where space is at a premium or where you don't want to mount a projector on the ceiling.
Both the Leica Cine 1 and BenQ V5000i use triple laser technology, which represents the current state of the art in projection. Instead of using a single blue laser with a color wheel (like older projectors), these models use separate red, green, and blue lasers. This results in better color accuracy and eliminates the "rainbow effect" that some viewers find distracting.
The BenQ V5000i, released in early 2023, builds upon its predecessor with improved gaming features and better color accuracy. The Leica Cine 1, also from 2023, represents Leica's first entry into the projector market, bringing their legendary optical expertise to home theater.
Both projectors deliver stunning 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), but there are notable differences:
In real-world testing, the Leica's additional brightness makes a noticeable difference in rooms with ambient light. However, in a properly darkened home theater, both projectors perform admirably.
If you're a gamer, the BenQ V5000i has a clear advantage. It offers:
The Leica, while capable of gaming, doesn't specifically optimize for it. This makes sense given its focus on pure cinema performance.
When setting up a home theater, several factors become crucial:
Both projectors need about 2 feet of distance from the wall for a 100-inch image. You'll want to consider:
The Leica's higher brightness gives it an edge in rooms where complete light control isn't possible. However, both projectors perform best in darker environments. I've found that:
While both projectors include built-in speakers, for a true home theater experience, you'll want external audio:
The price difference between these projectors ($6,000) can't be ignored. The Leica Cine 1 offers:
The BenQ V5000i provides:
Your choice should primarily depend on:
If budget is a major consideration, the BenQ represents excellent value while still delivering premium performance. The Leica's premium price point requires serious justification for most buyers.
Consider your:
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use. This means:
Choose the Leica Cine 1 if:
Choose the BenQ V5000i if:
Remember, both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, and either will provide an impressive home theater experience. The key is matching the projector to your specific needs and environment.
| BenQ V5000i | Leica Cine 1 |
|---|---|
| Price - The primary deciding factor for most buyers | |
| $3,499 (excellent value for features) | $9,495 (premium pricing) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (needs controlled lighting) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) |
| Light Source - Impacts color accuracy and maintenance needs | |
| RGB Triple Laser (98% DCI-P3) | RGB Triple Laser (100% BT.2020) |
| Gaming Features - Important for mixed-use setups | |
| Low latency (8.7ms), ALLM, 4K@60Hz | Basic gaming support, no specific optimizations |
| Lens Quality - Affects image clarity and uniformity | |
| Standard UST lens (good performance) | Leica Summicron lens (superior edge clarity) |
| Sound System - Affects need for external speakers | |
| 40W Trevolo with Dolby/DTS | Basic integrated audio |
| Smart Features - Impacts convenience and content access | |
| Android TV 11, built-in streaming | Limited smart features, external source needed |
| Throw Ratio - Determines placement flexibility | |
| 0.25:1 (14.3" for 120" screen) | 0.25:1 (14.3" for 120" screen) |
| Maintenance Cost - Long-term ownership consideration | |
| Lower replacement part costs | Premium service and part costs |
For dedicated home theaters, both projectors excel, but the BenQ V5000i offers better value at $3,499. The Leica Cine 1 provides superior image quality but costs significantly more at $9,495. Unless budget isn't a concern, the BenQ V5000i is the more practical choice.
The primary difference is brightness and price. The Leica Cine 1 offers 3,000 lumens versus the BenQ V5000i's 2,500 lumens, but costs nearly three times more. The Leica also features superior optics with its Summicron lens system.
The Leica Cine 1 performs better in rooms with ambient light due to its higher 3,000-lumen brightness. The BenQ V5000i requires more controlled lighting conditions for optimal performance.
Yes, both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. These screens help maintain contrast and color accuracy, especially important for the BenQ V5000i in brighter rooms.
The BenQ V5000i is significantly better for gaming, offering lower input lag (8.7ms), ALLM support, and 4K@60Hz capability. The Leica Cine 1 lacks specific gaming optimizations.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours, which translates to about 10 years of use at 5 hours per day. The BenQ V5000i typically has lower maintenance costs compared to the Leica Cine 1.
The BenQ V5000i includes Android TV 11 with built-in streaming capabilities. The Leica Cine 1 requires external streaming devices for content access.
Both projectors have a 0.25:1 throw ratio, requiring approximately 14.3 inches from the wall to produce a 120-inch image. This makes them ideal for space-constrained rooms.
The BenQ V5000i features a superior 40W Trevolo sound system with Dolby/DTS support. However, for proper home theater setup, external speakers are recommended for both projectors.
Both handle motion well, but the Leica Cine 1's higher brightness makes it better for daytime sports viewing. The BenQ V5000i performs well in controlled lighting conditions.
While both projectors can be set up by users, professional installation is recommended for optimal alignment and performance. The Leica Cine 1 particularly benefits from professional setup due to its premium nature.
The BenQ V5000i at $3,499 offers significantly better value, delivering 90% of the performance of the Leica Cine 1 at less than half the price. Unless absolute premium performance is required, the BenQ represents the better value proposition.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreen.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - techradar.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - digitaltrends.com - digitaltrends.com - ooberpad.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - leicacamerausa.com - projectorreviews.com - whathifi.com - leicacamerausa.com - bhphotovideo.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - crutchfield.com - leicarumors.com - projectorscreen.com
