When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, Leica's Cine 1 ($9,495) and LG's CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) represent the cutting edge of ultra-short throw (UST) laser projection technology. Let's explore what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Ultra-short throw projectors represent a fascinating evolution in home theater technology. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. This clever trick is accomplished using specialized optics that beam the image at an extremely steep angle.
Both of these projectors were released in 2022, arriving at a time when the UST market was maturing beyond its early growing pains. The technology has improved significantly in recent years, particularly in areas like color accuracy and reducing the "rainbow effect" (where some viewers see momentary color artifacts in bright scenes).
The Leica Cine 1 puts its premium price tag to work with its Summicron lens system - essentially the same high-end glass technology Leica uses in their renowned cameras. This results in noticeably sharper edges and less color fringing (where you might see slight rainbow edges around bright objects). Having tested several UST projectors, I can say the difference is visible, particularly when viewing detailed content like nature documentaries or sports.
The LG CineBeam takes a different approach, focusing on contrast and color accuracy. Its 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio (double that of the Leica) means it can display deeper blacks and brighter whites in the same scene. For movie lovers, this means more detail in dark scenes and more pop in bright ones.
Both projectors use triple-laser technology (separate lasers for red, green, and blue) rather than a single laser with a color wheel. This eliminates the rainbow effect entirely and provides more accurate colors. The light source should last around 25,000 hours - that's about 8 years of watching 8 hours every day.
One of the biggest advantages of UST projectors is their furniture-friendly design. Both units can sit in a media cabinet below your screen, creating a clean, TV-like installation. However, there are some key differences:
The Leica Cine 1 requires slightly more distance (about 14.3 inches for a 120-inch image) compared to the LG's 11.8 inches. This might seem minor, but it could affect your furniture choices.
The LG offers more setup flexibility with its warping controls (which help correct image distortion), while the Leica aims for a more streamlined, less technical setup process. Having installed several UST projectors, I appreciate the LG's flexibility but understand the appeal of Leica's simpler approach.
Here's where we see some interesting divergence:
The Leica Cine 1 uses Google TV, providing a familiar, user-friendly interface with access to all major streaming services. The built-in Dolby Atmos sound system is surprisingly capable, though serious home theater enthusiasts will still want separate speakers.
The LG CineBeam adds Bluetooth and AirPlay support, making it more flexible for casual content sharing. Its calibration capabilities are more extensive, including support for professional calibration software. This matters if you're planning to have your projector professionally calibrated (which I recommend for the best possible image quality).
The $3,000 price difference between these projectors can't be ignored. The Leica's premium gets you:
The LG offers:
Choose the Leica Cine 1 if:
Choose the LG CineBeam HU915QB if:
After extensive testing, I've found both projectors excel in different viewing scenarios. The Leica's superior optics are most noticeable with 4K content, particularly with fine details like text or complex patterns. The LG's higher contrast ratio makes it the better choice for dark room movie viewing, where shadow detail and black levels are crucial.
For bright room viewing, both projectors provide enough brightness (around 3,000 lumens) to create a vivid image, though you'll want to pair either with an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen for best results.
Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, but the market continues to evolve. We're seeing new models with even higher brightness levels and improved gaming features. However, both of these projectors should remain competitive for years to come, thanks to their strong fundamental performance and build quality.
In my view, the LG represents the better value for most users, offering 90% of the Leica's performance at about 70% of the cost. However, if you're building a premium home theater where every last bit of image quality matters, the Leica's superior optics might justify its premium price tag.
Remember, whichever projector you choose, proper installation and screen selection are crucial for getting the best performance. Consider professional installation if you're not confident in your DIY skills - proper alignment is critical with UST projectors.
| Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) | LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for room versatility and image punch | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens | 3,000 ANSI lumens |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black levels and image depth | |
| 1,000,000:1 dynamic | 2,000,000:1 dynamic (noticeably better dark scenes) |
| Throw Ratio - Affects how close to wall/screen needed | |
| 0.25:1 (14.3" for 120" image) | 0.19:1 (11.8" for 120" image) |
| Lens Quality - Impacts image clarity and color accuracy | |
| Premium Summicron lens (superior edge clarity) | Standard lens (good but shows more chromatic aberration) |
| Smart Platform - Determines streaming experience | |
| Google TV (more apps, better interface) | WebOS (functional but more limited) |
| Calibration Options - Important for optimal picture | |
| Basic adjustments | Advanced with Calman AutoCal support |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W Dolby Atmos | 40W 2.2 channel |
| Connectivity - Flexibility for various sources | |
| 3x HDMI (2.1/2.0), USB | HDMI 2.1, USB, Bluetooth, AirPlay |
| Laser Life - Long term reliability | |
| 25,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Value Proposition - Price to performance ratio | |
| Premium price for superior optics | Better value, more features for most users |
For dedicated home theaters, the Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) has a slight edge due to its superior lens quality and better image clarity. However, the LG CineBeam ($6,499) offers better contrast ratio, making it excellent for dark room viewing.
Both projectors offer 3,000 ANSI lumens, making them equally capable in moderate ambient light. However, for optimal performance, both should be paired with an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen.
The LG CineBeam provides better value, offering similar performance to the Leica Cine 1 at about $3,000 less. The premium for the Leica mainly pays for superior optics and brand prestige.
The LG needs about 11.8 inches for a 120-inch image, while the Leica requires 14.3 inches. Both are true ultra-short throw projectors suitable for furniture placement.
The Leica Cine 1 uses Google TV, offering more streaming apps and a better user interface. The LG CineBeam uses WebOS but adds Bluetooth and AirPlay connectivity.
The Leica offers 25,000 hours of laser life, while the LG provides 20,000 hours. Both should last 7-10 years with typical use.
Both projectors support 4K gaming, but the LG has slightly lower input lag. For casual gaming, either will work well, but serious gamers might prefer the LG's better response time.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen specifically designed for ultra-short throw projectors. This is essential for optimal picture quality.
Both offer 40-watt speaker systems, but the Leica Cine 1 includes Dolby Atmos support. However, for a proper home theater, external speakers are recommended with either projector.
Yes, both projectors output 3,000 ANSI lumens, making them suitable for moderate ambient light. However, for best results, some light control and an ALR screen are recommended.
The Leica Cine 1 offers a more streamlined setup process, while the LG CineBeam provides more adjustment options. The LG's additional flexibility can be helpful for challenging installations.
Both offer excellent color accuracy, but the Leica's premium lens reduces color fringing. The LG provides better calibration tools for professional adjustment. Out of the box, the LG tends to be more accurate.
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: projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - leicacamerausa.com - projectorreviews.com - whathifi.com - leicacamerausa.com - bhphotovideo.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - crutchfield.com - leicarumors.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com
