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Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box Gains HDR10+ and Dolby Vision Support, Plus Siri Voice Control
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Don't get too excited, I have a Philips TV with build-in lights and while it's nice I hardly ever use it. Definitely not worth the extra HDMI-box.
Maybe it's different when the whole room lights up but that could also be more of an annoyance than anything else.
Is this really worth it? This is for sure totally personal and subjective, but I have never been drawn to these “ambient lighting matching” TVs, gadgets, etc... neither about 4K, sizes more than 42” (after that is just quite the diminishing returns) screens for couch distance and for example, when going to the movies I actually avoid gadgetry like 3D. While sound may be nice at the movies, a good pair of headphones or good volume are 98% good enough... the main joy is actually going with someone, having popcorn, pizza and stuff.
I’m genuinely curious, wonder if I’m missing something and should definitely give it a try or if I have to accept that my “entertainment cells” has finally been fully corrupted (haven’t been drawn to 99.99% of video games in many years too).
I've had one since day one and zero issues.
But how do I get Siri to change my HDMI source ? I've asked loads of different ways, but cant make it happen.
Had my box since December with zero issues.
Had my box since December with zero issues.
Whatever floats your boat I guess. If you enjoy it, great. If not, save your money for something you enjoy.
For me, home entertainment is a hobby I enjoy, and while I’m not in a position to have the dedicated home theatre room I would like, I love my 82” TV, emersive sound system, and 800+ Blu-Ray and 4K disk collection. I use hue lights now to add some atmosphere, and I’m definitely interested in adding the sync box to the mix Now that it supports the video formats I use.
Not seeing this app update yet but glad it’s arriving. Not having to change to standard HDR on the Apple TV to get the lights to sync is welcome.
I personally find playing games with the lights much better than movies unless it’s a nice animated movie.
Edit, just showed up!
I personally find playing games with the lights much better than movies unless it’s a nice animated movie.
Edit, just showed up!
While I think this is pretty damn cool, and I have a mini home theater, these have never done it for me. I just never understood the appeal of having synced lighting with the content on the screen. IMO, you are better off getting the hue strips and just setting the lights to a certain color temp for ambient lighting.
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ok, now that makes sense. I could imagine playing something like COD with synced lighting being pretty damn cool.
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ok, now that makes sense. I could imagine playing something like COD with synced lighting being pretty damn cool.
These look really cool. I'm interested though do these introduce a bunch of input lag for gaming? My PlayStation is also my Blu-Ray player so if it doesn't make sense to use with a PlayStation it would only be useful with my Apple TV.
I haven't been able to notice any difference with the playstation input lag when connected to the Sync box. I have all my devices go into my amp then the sync box and then to the TV.
Thank you! I may have to check this out. I’ve seen some pictures and it looks pretty cool.
I suppose this would be better if they offered the led light strips you attach to the back of a TV. Unfortunately, it seems no one has managed to come out with something that was like the now defunct DreamScreen.
bought it when it first came out, complete piece of crap and unusable! many software updates later and after contacting support to get a replacement thing is AMAZING! don’t know how they fixed it to be honest, thought it was a lost cause...but ever since the last update it runs like butter, it use to disconnect every 45 seconds, now it stays connected no matter what, lights always sync and now this update...awesome👍
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I have a light strip connected to it and it works perfectly...2 hue plays on the side and 1 hue light strip back of tv, 7 hue bulbs through out room, no problem at all
No it has to have a device that plugs into it. you could use a cheap fire stick to replace the built in apps though.
no homekit support? hey siri has been working for awhile...thought this update was suppose to allow box to connect to home app...damn
We have 2 and love them. One is on our TV we watch movies on and has 8 of the play lights. I love how it changes colors depending on the color of the screen. The other is on hubby's game TV. That one is a strip and while it only changes 1 color at a time rather than different for each light depending not he screen, it's still pretty cool and beats having other lights on in the room (personally I think he should have the hue play lights on that one, too... but it's his man cave!)
I bought this about two months ago. I have mixed reviews. I have never had an issue with the Sync box at all, has been pretty seamless and rock solid. Its never lost the connection and always done its job *knock on wood). I have a 120" projector screen mounted on the wall and can't really put lights behind it. All of my lights that are synced are 9 canned lights in the ceiling and 2 playbars (one on each side mounted on the back of my tower speakers). It tends to be a little more distracting than anything, especially in a theater setting where darkness is somewhat of a commodity. It'd probably be better if I got some light strips and put them underneath on the sides of the screen directly but I've already sank some much into the Hue system its hard to justify. Just a bit disappointed, but that's my experience.
I find the basic white bulbs ok for the price. My only issue with them, and I believe it's the same with the more expensive "Ambiance" ones, is that they don't dim enough. Oh, and they're not that bright to begin with but I can live with that.
You can create an Ambilight experience without having a Phillips Amibilight TV. So it’s entirely up to you.
Personally I have had one and they are great.